Alternate meanings: See Blossom (disambiguation)

Plum blossom

Cherry blossom

Blossom is a term given to the flowers of stone fruit trees (Genus Prunus) and of some other plants with a similar appearance that flower profusely but for a short period of time. Blossoms are either pink or white depending on the species or variety. Nectarine blossoms, peach blossoms, most cherry blossoms, and some almond blossoms are usually pink. Plum blossoms, apple blossoms, some cherry blossoms, and most almond blossoms are white.

Blossom trees have a tendency to loose their flower petals in wind blown cascades often covering the surrounding ground in petals. This attribute tends to distinguish blossom trees from other flowering trees.

The term blossom comes from the Indo-European root *bhle-, meaning "to thrive or bloom." This in turn evolved into the Old English word blostma, later adapted into blossom.

Nectarine blossom

External link

• Millais' renowned painting 'Apple blossoms' at the Lady Lever Art Gallery