Trees and plants
We care for 25,000 hectares (61,776 acres) of woodland, 135 wild landscape sites and more than 200 gardens, and have as many wonderful stories to tell.
How to spot different types of blossom
Do you know your damson from your blackthorn? Blossom comes in many shapes, sizes and colours, and telling them apart can be challenging. Find out how to spot different types of blossom in your local area with this blossom-spotting guide.
Blossom to spot in fruit trees
Cherry
Many garden varieties of cherry blossom are of Japanese origin and are also known as sakura or village cherries. You can see wild cherry blossom in woodlands during March, April and sometimes May.
Apple
Apple blossom is white with a hint of pink. Appearing from March to April, it grows in hedgerows, gardens, orchards and scrubland.
Pear
Pear trees were introduced to Britain in around AD 995. The delicate white flowers emerge from green buds in March or April, and some varieties grow in gardens, orchards and along the streets.
Plum
You can see plum trees in gardens and orchards, as well as near hedges and areas of scrubland where plum stones may have been dropped. The flowers are white and bloom around March and April.
Damson
Damson trees are small and hardy with dark green, oval shaped leaves with a lightly serrated edge. They blossom with small white flowers in early April. You can often find it in mixed woodlands, hedgerows, parks, gardens and along pavements.
Blossom to spot in hedgerows and woodland
Goat willow
Some types of willow appear in January, but goat willow stands out in March and April. You can often find it in damp woodland areas or near streams and ditches.
Blackthorn
Blackthorn bursts into flower in March with white blossom appearing before the leaves. You can find it in hedgerows and scrub, and it likes to be in bright sunlight.
Hawthorn
The fragrant pinkish-white hawthorn flowers appear in April and May, so it’s also known as the mayflower. You can often find it in hedgerows, on the edges of woodlands and in scrubland.
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Best places to see blossom
Blossom is in full bloom, covering the UK in swathes of pink and white. From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, discover some of the best places to see blossom in our care and beyond.
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Gardens with magnolias
Magnolias are a diverse family of deciduous and evergreen shrubs with blooms ranging from white to deep purple. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to see them from early spring until late summer or early autumn.
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Gardening tips for spring
Make the most of your garden or growing space this spring with tips and advice from our gardeners. Find out about pruning shrubs, preparing flower borders, planting early vegetables and choosing the best blossom trees.
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How to make an origami blossom
Try our step-by-step origami tutorial and fill the world with blossom. See if you can make lots of flowers in different sizes and colours to decorate your home or give to friends and family.
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National Trust Podcast: series seven
Listen to the first episode of series seven, where we celebrate the beauty of blossom. Hear the story of how a Victorian and a potato saved Japan’s lost blooms and learn about a coastal blossom community project in Plymouth.
Shop the National Trust native tree collection
Bring blossom to your garden with the National Trust native tree and hedgerow collection, created in collaboration with Blue Diamond garden centres. At least 10% of all sales will support conservation work at the places in our care.