
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
Air Force made critical errors during October 7 massacre, investigator says - 2
Step by step instructions to Integrate Lab Precious stones into Special Adornments Pieces - 3
European nations criticise Israel’s death penalty plans - 4
Unpaid caregiving work can feel small and personal, but that doesn’t take away its ethical value - 5
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
How is 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' connected to 'Game of Thrones'?
Instructions to Augment the Presentation of Your Kona SUV
Employers and staff feel effect of fuel price rise
Teen drug use remains low, but survey finds small rise in heroin and cocaine use
This widow influencer is using jokes to cope after her husband's death. It's OK if people don't get it.
I served on the expert committee that advised the government on new dietary guidelines – most of our recommendations were ignored
'We are ready': NASA still on track to launch Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon April 1
Understanding Successful Compromise Standards to Cultivate Agreeable Connections
Key takeaways from Sen. Bill Cassidy's interview on 'Face the Nation' with Margaret Brennan











