
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
No more attempts to free whale stranded off Germany, officials say - 2
To fix a patient's irregular heartbeat, doctors first tested its digital 'twin' - 3
Why screening for the deadliest cancer in the U.S. misses most cases - 4
French and Malaysian authorities are investigating Grok for generating sexualized deepfakes - 5
January full moon wows skywatchers with a striking 'Wolf Supermoon' (photos)
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 189 — Privatizing Orbit
Germany to create restitution council to return colonia-era acquired cultural artefacts
Vote In favor of Your Favored Occasion Arranging Administration
Family-Accommodating Snow Sports Experiences
NAFFIC, AWARE claim first China-EU DPP for textiles
A Manual for SUVs with Less Noteworthy Gas Mileage
Damaged launch pad: How long before Russia can send astronauts to the ISS again?
'Supergirl' drops 1st teaser trailer: Watch Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El and the return of Krypto the Superdog
How a rare drug made from scientists' blood saves babies from botulism












