Stumpy the cherry tree may have been cut down in 2024, but its legacy lives on today. Plant material from the fan-favorite tree has been successfully propagated and has begun to bloom, the National Arboretum announced. The new trees could be ready for replanting as early as next spring.
Stumpy’s Story
Stumpy was a hollow and misshapen Yoshino cherry tree located near the Tidal Basin. The tree suffered damage from continuous flooding, harsh snowfall, and damage by beavers, The Washington Post reported.
Yet, Stumpy continued to bloom every year, and became a symbol of resistance and hope.
The little tree became a social media sensation and was featured on The Drew Barrymore Show. But, when the National Park Service embarked on a renovation project to repair the Tidal Basin seawall and mitigate flooding, Stumpy was one of the hundreds of trees cut down.
How it started How it’s going pic.twitter.com/LgOtEMTHkG
— US Department of the Interior (@Interior) March 26, 2026
Plucky Plants
Now, a new generation of Stumpy clones is growing. National Arboretum scientists say the young new trees are “healthy and thriving,” according to a news release. And they’ve “reached the pinnacle achievement for the D.C. cherry trees — they flowered for the first time.”
Stumpy’s offspring will remain off view at the National Arboretum’s research and production area until the National Park Service is ready to plant them.
“The U.S. National Arboretum was honored to collaborate with the National Park Service,” said USNA Director Dr. Richard Olsen. “We remain deeply connected through our shared commitment of exhibiting and preserving these beautiful icons for public viewing. 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.”
The Tidal Basin repair project wrapped up early in December. While the project removed about 300 trees, 426 new trees (including 269 cherry trees) will be planted in their place.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
