Japanese name: オオミネザクラ（大峰桜） Scientific name:Cerasus ×oneyamensis nothovar. takasawana
[Overview]
A deciduous tree presumed to be a hybrid of Oyama-zakura and Okuchoji-zakura.
It is rarely seen in mountain areas of the heavy-snow region on the Sea of Japan side.
The petioles and pedicels have spreading hairs, and the veins of the leaves are also hairy.
The flowers are large, 2.2–2.5 cm across, and open flat.
The calyx tube is bell-shaped and hairy.
The fruit is about 1.1 cm across and ripens black.
The nature of the hairs and other features resemble Okuchoji-zakura.
[History]
It was discovered by Kubota Hideo on Mt. Omine in Shibata, Niigata (formerly Kajigawa Village).
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings or grafting.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained site.
If it becomes too large in a garden planting, it is good to restrict the space for root growth with a fabric pot to control the size of the tree.
While it is a young tree, protect it from frost by laying straw around the base.
Also, it is better not to cut branches needlessly when it is not necessary.
Pests and diseases are numerous, so care is needed.
[Cultivation]
The varietal epithet takasawana was dedicated to Takasawa Jiro, who was involved in protecting the cherry trees of Mt. Omine.
