UW News

Sara Shores


March 8, 2024

Video: Predicting cherry tree bloom timing at the UW

Cherry trees on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus are waking up and getting ready to say hello. For the 29 iconic Yoshino cherry trees in the UW Quad, peak bloom will likely begin after March 20.


March 15, 2023

Cherry blossoms get new visitors’ website, are on track for early April peak bloom

The cherry blossoms at the University of Washington campus are a seasonal tradition and celebration for the entire region. This year’s colder-than-usual spring is demanding a little more patience. Mark your calendars and plan your visit for a peak bloom expected in early April.


March 10, 2022

UW welcomes community to view cherry blossoms; peak bloom expected mid-March

full bloom expected mid-march for cherry blossoms

The 29 cherry trees in the Quad usually reach peak bloom the third week of March, and this year is on track to meet that timing.


March 12, 2021

Soundbites & B-roll: UW arborist on cherry blossom viewing tips

UW arborist Sara Shores recommends looking for cherry blossoms in your local parks and neighborhood streets. There are dozens of different varieties of blossoming cherry and plum trees in the Seattle area, with blooms visible from early February until May, for some species.


March 8, 2021

Watch the UW cherry blossoms virtually this year and avoid coming to campus due to COVID-19

up-close shot of blossoms on a cherry tree

The University of Washington once again is asking people to enjoy the iconic campus cherry blossoms virtually this year to promote physical distancing and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.


March 5, 2020

Visitors should avoid coming to UW campus to see cherry blossoms amid COVID-19 outbreak

blossoms up close

The University is asking people to avoid coming to campus this year to comply with Gov. Inslee’s March 11 proclamation that prohibits large gatherings of more than 250 people as our region combats the spread of COVID-19.


March 29, 2019

Soundbites: UW Quad cherry blossoms reach peak bloom

UW arborist Sara Shores explains that the iconic cherry trees in the University of Washington’s Quad have reached peak bloom, and this weekend will be prime viewing to see the blossoms.


February 21, 2019

Quad cherry blossoms expected to peak end of March, if weather cooperates

Cherry blossoms on March 12.

The iconic cherry trees in the University of Washington’s Quad will likely reach peak bloom the third week of March, right in line with most years.


February 23, 2018

Despite snow in Seattle, cherry blossoms on track for typical season

Cherry blossoms near Suzzallo Library and Gerberding Hall on the UW campus in 2017.

With snow falling in the Puget Sound region this week, it’s hard to imagine cherry trees in bloom. But assuming temperatures return to normal soon, this year’s cherry blossoms are on track for a typical bloom season. Full bloom is expected the week of March 19.


March 7, 2017

Round 2 of UW cherry blossom season is underway

Cherry trees in full bloom last spring.

Full bloom for the iconic cherry trees in the UW’s Quad is expected the week of March 26, 2017.


February 26, 2016

2016 UW cherry blossom watch: 100 percent in bloom

Cherry trees in the Quad, March 10, 2016.

The cherry trees in the Quad at UW will likely be in full bloom the week of March 14.


March 20, 2013

Update April 3, 2013 cherry blossom watch: Quad in full bloom

Cherry blossoms in the UW quad.

The cold weather this week is delaying the blooming of cherry trees in the UW Quad.