
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
Army commander convicted of Guinea stadium massacre dies in prison - 2
Beddings of 2024: Track down Your Ideal Fit for a Tranquil Rest - 3
I binged all 24 Hallmark Christmas movies in less than 30 days. I emerged a changed man. - 4
Investigating Design and Individual Style: Track down Your Remarkable Look - 5
Flights canceled at 40 U.S. airports: Follow live updates as FAA cuts to air traffic take effect amid government shutdown
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 188 — A New NASA Leader Rises?
German foreign minister backs abandoning EU's unanimity principle
Top notch DSLR Cameras for Photography Devotees
'Malcolm in the Middle' reboot releases 1st trailer, reuniting Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston: Watch here
Exploring the Market: Unsold Rams May Be Less expensive Than You Naturally suspect
Science is best communicated through identity and culture – how researchers are ensuring STEM serves their communities
Why is the Artemis 2 rocket launch different from all other rocket launches?
South Africa pushes for $200B investment
People are getting their news from AI – and it’s altering their views













