
Stumpy lives again.
Clones of the scraggly, beloved cherry blossom tree felled two years ago in the nation’s capital have flowered for the first time this spring, reaching what federal officials described Wednesday as a “pinnacle achievement.”
The U.S. National Arboretum said in a statement that the plant material used to propagate the Yoshino cherry clones was collected in the summer of 2024. It was one of thousands that line the banks of the Tidal Basin reservoir between the Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials.
The new trees are healthy and have put on substantial growth since forming their own root systems, according to the statement. They will remain at a non-public research area until the National Park Service can replant them, perhaps as soon as next spring, the arboretum said.
“It is our hope that the story and spirit of these trees will inspire future generations of cherry tree enthusiasts around the world — deepening cultural connections for years to come,” Richard Olsen, the arboretum’s director, said in a statement included in the release.
Stumpy sat on the banks of the Tidal Basin, near the National Mall. The tree rose to fame in 2020, with a viral Reddit post saying the tree was as dead as the user’s love life — but he still loved it.
With a hollow interior trunk, Stumpy was among 158 trees felled in 2024 as part of a project aimed at shoring up a sea wall near the National Mall.
Speaking to NBC News on the eve of Stumpy’s passing, a tourist compared the tree to the ugly duckling.
“It’s by itself, and it just stands out,” she said.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Vote In favor of Your Favored Keeping an eye on - 2
Holiday weather forecast: Where travelers can expect a wintry mix, flooding and record warmth across the U.S. - 3
A red meat allergy from tick bites is spreading – and the lone star tick isn’t the only alpha-gal carrier to worry about - 4
Strengthening through Wellness: Individual Preparation Achievement - 5
Satellite data reveals a huge solar storm in 2024 shrank Earth's protective plasma shield
Director of Swiss hospital describes the rush to treat the injured from Alpine resort bar fire
Bird flu poses risk of pandemic worse than COVID, France's Institut Pasteur says
Figure out How to Keep up with and Clean Your Brilliant Bed for Ideal Execution
Innospace's rocket crashes in first commercial launch in Brazil; shares tumble
Doctors say changes to US vaccine recommendations are confusing parents and could harm kids
Most loved VR Game for Wellness: Which Keeps You Dynamic?
Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference
Earth's newfound 'episodic-squishy lid' may guide our search for habitable worlds
6 Exceptionally Appraised Summer Travel Objections












