
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
December's overlooked meteor shower peaks next week — will the Ursids surprise us? - 2
Different Film Classification: What's Your Go-To for Amusement - 3
Watch Rocket Lab launch Japanese technology-demonstrating satellite to orbit tonight - 4
Investigation reveals sperm donor passed on cancer risk to dozens of children across Europe - 5
Europe's powerful Ariane 6 rocket launches Sentinel-1D Earth-observation satellite to orbit (video)
They grew up with 'almond moms.' Now, they dread going home for the holidays.
Chicago reports first rabies-positive dog in 61 years. What we know.
East Germany Somehow Built a Real Sports Car and It Was Wild
Eleven arrested over mass shooting in South Africa tavern
Qantas and Virgin Australia Ban Power Bank Usage on Flights Following Safety Incidents
Astronaut on ISS captures spectacular orbital video of zodiacal light, auroras and the Pleiades
Divorce filings, feuds and legal trouble: The 'Mormon Wives' drama keeps piling up
Discovering a true sense of harmony: Contemplation and Care Practices
Al-Sharaa denies he called for 80% of Syrians to return from Germany













