At this time of the year, the flowering cherry tree (Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' or Kwanzan cherry) is at its best.  A nearby school boasts two of them, and when they are in full bloom, more than one elementary student carries home fallen blossoms to his or her mother after school.  Those blossoms are the essence of all that is pink and frilly--a little like a carnation without the ragged edges, or like a semi-double rose.  They are borne in enormous numbers on the trees, which are masses of solid pink for at least a couple of weeks.  Here those weeks happen in mid April, elsewhere it might be earlier or later.  

The trees are not enormous, growing between 20-30 feet tall at maturity.  At other times of the year their attractive gray bark and green leaves make them useful in the landscape.  Like all ornamental cherries, they do not bear delicious edible fruit.  Depending on where they are planted, this can be a good thing.  The school principal, for example, is very thankful that the trees do not provide a ready source of projectiles in the fall.  

My daughter, who carried those cherry blossoms home to me many days, always wanted a Kwanzan cherry tree.  We don't really have room for one unless lightening strikes the sturdy maple in front of the house.  Maybe my child, now a junior in college, will plant one herself one of these days.