
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
Record-breaking 'space laser' erupts from merging galaxies 8 billion light-years away - 2
Mechanical Sidekick d: A Survey of \Elements and Execution d\ Cell phone - 3
The Electric Bicycle Americans Can Confide in 2024 - 4
How to get tickets for AC/DC's 2026 'Power Up' Tour - 5
This country music star spent years hiding his sexuality. Coming out — and beating addiction — has made his soul feel '20 pounds lighter.'
What's inside Mexico's Popocatépetl? Scientists obtain first 3D images of the whole volcano
Italy fertility rate fell to new low of 1.14 in 2025
Self-sacrificing ants highlight the unity of their colony, say researchers
US measles cases surpass 2,000, highest in 30 years: CDC
RFK Jr. releases new dietary guidelines with emphasis on protein, full-fat dairy
He made a name for himself posting thirst traps on TikTok. Now he's the star of a wildly popular rom-com.
RFK Jr. says fewer flu shots for kids may be 'better.' What experts say.
Experts who once backed 'shaken baby' science now fight to free imprisoned caregivers
‘Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion’ premiere date: How to watch, channel, time, cast and more













