
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
How to watch ‘The Traitors’ Season 4: Premiere date, episode release time, full cast list and more - 2
10 Activities to Lift Your Consume and Bust Your Stomach - 3
Carina Nebula shines with white-blue stars | Space photo of the day for Jan. 5, 2026 - 4
IDF strikes Hamas terror base in Lebanon, Health Ministry says 11 killed - 5
Ergonomic Office Seats for Work spaces
Agios Pharma shares jump as US FDA expands approval for its blood disorder drug
Watch SpaceX launch NASA's Pandora exoplanet-studying satellite on Jan. 11
Don't plan to cook on Thanksgiving? Here are the restaurants and fast food places that are scheduled to be open
Dependable Savvy Locks to Update Your Home Security
'Senseless violence' erupts at Christmas tree lighting; 4 injured
World leaders, rights groups react to COP30 climate deal
Keep It Cool: Uncovering Famous Fridge Brands for Each Home
Congolese rape survivors search in vain for medicine after USAID cuts
The most effective method to Arrange a Higher Medical caretaker Pay During Your Next New employee screening













