WASHINGTON — Stumpy, the cherry tree lives on. The social media famous cherry blossom tree was part of many trees that were removed from the Tidal Basin over the spring, in an effort to repair the failing seawall.
Due to Stumpy's national popularity the U.S. National Arboretum was asked by the National Park Service to take clippings from the tree before it was removed in hopes of propagating and re-growing them. The goal is to have the new cherry blossom trees replanted after the Tidal Basin seawall is repaired.
“Rooting the cuttings of woody plants is not a guaranteed success. Timing and the condition of the cutting material are probably the most critical elements, but many variables could have influenced the results of this process,” said USNA Horticulturist Piper Zettel.
The charming and unique thing about Stumpy that everyone loved was, that it didn't have many branches, however, when it was in full bloom the blossoms were as breathtaking as a full-grown cherry blossom tree. But, its lack of branches is what also made the propagating process difficult.
The clippings the USNA was able to gather are extremely vulnerable.
“The new trees have a long way to go, but we are doing all we can to ensure NPS receives strong, healthy, and vigorous trees,” said Zettel.
Hopefully within three years, Stumpy will be a proud papa of many new cherry blossom trees that people far and wide will be able to enjoy in the spring seasons to come.