There’s nothing more enchanting than strolling through an urban park in the spring. From blushing crab apple trees and cherry blossoms to fire glow tulips and Carolina rhododendrons, New York City’s green space provides a stunning backdrop for the best spring blooms in town!
The most common types of blossoms in New York are daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, but there’s so much more to discover. There are also many varieties of lilies, including the fragrant red trillium — or wake-robin, as it’s sometimes called — which can be found at national parks across the country.
In addition to the classic cherry blossoms, there are many other types of flowers that can be seen in New York parks, such as the delicate tree peony, Japanese wisteria and flowering crab apple trees. Some of these blossoms are quite early bloomers, like the Okame cherry trees in Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Yoshino cherries and Kwanzan cherries are two of the most popular types of cherry blossoms by the park The peak bloom time for these two different species is in mid-April and early May, depending on the weather.
These two kinds of blossoms are often one of the first signs of spring in Central Park. They’re also one of the most popular spots for people to take photos with the flowers, so make sure to get here early.
Other blooms you’ll see in Central Park include daffodils, lilies and hyacinths. They’re all beautiful and vibrant, so take your time to explore them as they bloom.
For a truly unique and magical experience, try hanami, or sitting under the blossoms of cherry trees with friends or family. You can find this tradition throughout the world, and it’s a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
During hanami season, you can also go on a guided tour of the cherry tree exhibit at the Conservatory Garden and learn about the history of the blossoms. The tours are free and are led by a member of the Botanic Garden staff.
If you’re interested in visiting the Conservatory during hanami season, the Conservancy has a website that can help you plan your visit and determine which trees to see and where to sit. The website also has information on the different blossoming tree cultivars and their bloom times.
The Conservancy has several other ways to experience the beauty of flowers in Central Park, such as their annual Petals in the Park event and Blossoms After Dark. These events are great for kids and adults of all ages.
Wildflowers abound in national parks around the country, especially during the springtime when they’re blooming in abundance. These beautiful, colorful flowering plants are native to the US and are perfect for enjoying as you wander along trails in your favorite park.
While some blooms are seasonal, others are ephemeral and will only last a few weeks. For example, fireweed and various species of trilliums typically flower in April and May, but other types of flowers such as fuchsia-colored hedgehog cactus flowers are found in late June or July.