The cherry blossom tree nickname "Stumpy" is seen at Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. on Wedensday, March 20th, 2024. Stumpy along with 150 more trees will be cut down later this spring as part of a project to rebuild and raise the seawalls around the basin.
Zayrha Rodriguez / NPR
Zayrha Rodriguez / NPR
The cherry blossom tree nickname "Stumpy" is seen at Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. on Wedensday, March 20th, 2024. Stumpy along with 150 more trees will be cut down later this spring as part of a project to rebuild and raise the seawalls around the basin.
In Washington, D.C., throngs of people gather around the Tidal Basin enjoy the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees.
Later this spring 158 of the trees will be cut down as part of a project to rebuild and raise the seawalls around the basin.
Among the trees to be removed is one very famous tree known as “Stumpy.”
It’s a scraggly tree with a trunk that is mostly rotted out. At high tide, the base of the tree is flooded. Each spring, Stumpy’s small branches burst into flower.
Our photographers captured the peak bloom including final farewells to Stumpy.
Take a look:
Tyrone Turner / WAMU
Coverage of cherry trees and the peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.
Carol Guzy for NPR
A beloved Cherry Blossom tree named ‘Stumpy’ will bloom for the last time this as blossoms reach peak bloom early at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC on March 18, 2023. Visitors are heard sadly saying farewell as they pass by the cherished tree.
Tyrone Turner / WAMU
Coverage of cherry trees and the peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.
Carol Guzy for NPR
Cherry blossoms reach peak bloom early at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC on March 20, 2023. A beloved cherry blossom tree named ‘Stumpy’ will bloom for the last time this year. Visitors are heard sadly saying farewell as they pass by the cherished tree that has become a symbol of resilience.
Carol Guzy for NPR
Cherry blossoms reach peak bloom early at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC on March 20, 2023. A beloved cherry blossom tree named ‘Stumpy’ will bloom for the last time this year. Visitors are heard sadly saying farewell as they pass by the cherished tree that has become a symbol of resilience.
Coverage of cherry trees and the peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.
Resident and visitors take photos of “Stumpy” the cherry tree in the Tidal Basin on Wednesday March 20th, 2024. Stumpy along with 150 more trees will be cut down later this spring as part of a project to rebuild and raise the seawalls around the basin. Zayrha Rodriguez/NPR
Cherry blossoms carpet the ground around the Tidal Basin, in Washington, D.C. Carol Guzy for NPR
People photograph the cherry blossoms as they reached peak bloom early at the Tidal Basin. Carol Guzy/Carol Guzy for NPR
A girl touches the cherry blossoms. Carol/Carol Guzy for NPR
A woman enjoys the Cherry blossoms during peak bloom. ‘Stumpy’ can be seen reflected in her sunglasses. Carol Guzy for NPR
An artist memorializes ‘Stumpy’ in watercolors. Carol Guzy for NPR
Jiayi Zheng leaves a flower for a beloved cherry blossom tree named ‘Stumpy’. Visitors said goodbye as it will be cut down later this spring. Carol Guzy for NPR
Coverage of cherry trees and the peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. A person poses with the cherry blossoms in their graduation outfit. Tyrone Turner/WAMU
Coverage of cherry trees and the peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. A person uses a cell phone to compose a photo of Stumpy the cherry tree. Tyrone Turner/WAMU
Coverage of cherry trees and the peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. Cherry blossoms hover right above the Tidal Basin water level. Tyrone Turner/WAMU
People visit the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C., during Cherry Blossom peak bloom on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024. Zayrha Rodriguez/NPR
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A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
