
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
Scientists map of old Mars river basins for the 1st time. These could be great places to search for ancient life - 2
Far-right AfD invited back to Munich Security Conference in 2026 - 3
'An incredible privilege and responsibility': Artemis 2's Christina Koch is ready to become the 1st woman to fly around the moon - 4
Which Store is Your Decision ? - 5
UN torture cm'tee report flags Israel for allegedly mistreating journalists, detainees, ex-MAG
China's 'Venice Of The East' Is A Historic Canal City Near Shanghai With Arched Bridges And Lantern-Lit Waterways
Grasping the Qualifications Among Separation and Dissolution
Scientists solve the mystery of 'impossible' merger of 'forbidden' black holes
Vote in favor of your Favored Kind of Scarf
1st-ever disease gene fix, Alzheimer's blood test: 7 medical breakthroughs in 2025
How did Hugh Jackman nail his latest role? Sequins, tighty-whities and embracing 'zero embarrassment.'
Brazil passes anti-gang law allowing seized crypto to fund security forces
Watch China's Shenzhou 22 rescue ship arrive at Tiangong space station (video)
South America's Memorable Destinations: A Movement Guide













