Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom: Where to Enjoy the Trees in Maryland The snow has melted, daylight has stretched, and the countdown to peak cherry blossom season has begun across Maryland. Officials at Fort McHenry in South Baltimore, home to two groves of Yoshino cherry trees, predict the peak bloom—when 70% of blossoms are open—will occur between April 3 and 5. Park staff emphasize that the trees thrive in cool, calm weather, and meteorologists with the National Weather Service note that an early April bloom in Baltimore aligns with the fluctuating March weather patterns. Brendon Rubin-Oster, a meteorologist with the weather service, explained that temperatures will drop to the 50s this weekend, but nighttime conditions will hover near freezing between Thursday and Friday. He added that another cold front is expected next week, which may delay blooming further. Visitors are advised to plan trips early, as parking at Fort McHenry is limited and the park closes at 5 p.m. The 152 cherry trees at Fort McHenry were planted in 1931 by approximately 1,500 Baltimore City Public Schools students to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Historical records indicate that African American students planted the trees in the East Cherry Blossom Grove, while white students planted those in the West Grove, reflecting the segregationist policies of the time. Beyond Fort McHenry, Marylanders can enjoy cherry blossoms in several locations. In Baltimore, clusters of trees will be in bloom at B&O Slope Park, Canton Waterfront Park, Patterson Park, St. Casimir Park, St. Mary’s Park, and near the Washington Monument. Residents of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties can visit Brookside Gardens, Glenview Mansion, Green Park, the Kenwood neighborhood, and National Harbor.#national_park_service #tidal_basin #fort_mchenry #brendon_rubinoster #baltimore_city_public_schools
