
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
Hundreds rally in West Bank against Israeli death penalty for Palestinians - 2
Satellites capture aftermath of Ethiopian volcano's 1st eruption in recorded history (images) - 3
5 Destinations Where Airfare Is Dropping The Most For Spring 2026, Per Dollar Flight Club Analysis - 4
Where America’s CO2 emissions come from – what you need to know, in charts - 5
'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' teaser trailer reveals Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby back in action
Iran War Derails The Automotive Industry
These HGTV stars made a pledge to keep their kids off smartphones. Here's how it's going.
Make your choice for the bird that catches your heart!
Signature Scents: A Manual for Outstanding Fragrances
Monetary Versatility: Get ready for Life's Unforeseen Difficulties
Eurovision Song Contest changes voting rules after controversial allegations against Israel
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS to pass closest to Earth on Friday
2 bright planets light up April evenings — here's where and when to look
Lilly becomes first healthcare firm to join trillion-dollar club, Wall Street reacts












