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Cherry Blossoms at Ohio University

Cherry Blossoms at Ohio University

Ohio University’s iconic cherry trees draw attention each year, as their blooms symbolize the arrival of spring in Athens. They were given as a gift in 1979 by Chubu University, located in Kasugai Japan, in honor of OHIO’s 175th anniversary. Celebrating the arrival of the blooms along the Hocking River each spring serves as a yearly reminder of the 50-year global partnership with Chubu University.

Blooms are emerging NOW! Visit the Cherry Trees during the week of March 27, 2023 to see the beautiful blossoms during the day, or visit from 8-10 pm to see them lit up in the evening!

An easy spot to visit and see the trees is near the Convocation Center, close to the Hocking River. Use this Map to locate the area. 

See updated photos of the Cherry Blossoms' progress below and check out Archive Slideshows of past years' blooms.

ATHENS IS EXPECTING 20-30 MPH WINDS THIS WEEKEND

Check out our 2023 Cherry Blossom Timelapse:

2023 Cherry Blossom Slideshow

Wide Shot

March 29, 2023

A wide shot showing the full bloom of cherry blossoms near the Convocation Center

Photo Credit: Eric Boll

Peden

March 29, 2023

The cherry blossoms in front of Peden Stadium blooming

Photo Credit: Eric Boll

Bloom

March 29, 2023

A close up shot of a cherry blossom

Photo Credit: Eric Boll

20230326 Cherry Trees with Chubu plaque

March 26, 2023

Cherry Trees in Bloom near the Convocation Center. Be sure to check out the commemorative plaque, which marks the donation from Chubu Univeristy and the dedication of these special trees.

Photo Credit: Office of Global Affairs

20230326 Cherry Trees

March 26, 2023

Blooms on Cherry Trees early in late March near the Convocation Center

Photo Credit: Office of Global Affairs

20230324 cherry Trees blooming

March 24, 2023

Blossoms beginning to open on Cherry Trees near the Convocation Center

Photo Credit: Office of Global Affairs

20230324 Cherry trees

March 24, 2023

Blossoms beginning to open on Cherry Trees near the Convocation Center

Photo Credit: Office of Global Affairs

20230222 Cherry blossom buds

March 20, 2023

Buds developing on Cherry Trees in mid March near the Convocation Center.

Photo Credit: Office of Global Affairs

20230312 cherry blossoms buds in snow

March 12, 2023

Up-close cherry tree buds in snow in early March

Photo Credit: Office of Global Affairs

20230326 Cherry Trees close

March 26, 2023

Blooms on Cherry Trees early in late March near the Convocation Center

Photo Credit: Office of Global Affairs

20230307 Cherry blossom buds

March 07, 2023

Small buds on Cherry Trees in early March near the Convocation Center

Photo Credit: Eric Boll

20230222 Cherry blossom buds

February 22, 2023

Small buds on Cherry Trees early in mid February near the Convocation Center

Photo Credit: Eric Boll

Chubu University students and Global Affairs leadership standing next to museum complex sinage

OHIO Museum Complex Cherry Trees Signage

The Cherry Trees on Athens campus are a beautiful symbol of Ohio University's longstanding relationship with Chubu University. Students from Chubu met with Dr. Tadashi Shiozawa, Director of Center for International Affairs at Chubu University, and Dr. Ji-Yeung Jang, OHIO Interim Executive Director for Global Affairs, near the cherry trees where the OHIO Museum Complex has placed signage to create a living museum on campus.

These global footprints on our own campus are a testament of the strength OHIO finds in connecting with international students and its relationship with Chubu University.

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    Spring has sprung as the iconic cherry blossoms bloom on OHIO's Athens campus

    April 14, 2022

    Photographers and student photographers from University Communications and Marketing have photographed the famous trees for those near and far to enjoy.

    Read the Article
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    Alumna and landscape coordinator Susan Calhoun tends Ohio University’s cherry trees with love

    March 22, 2022

    Learn more about OHIO alumna Susan Calhoun, landscape coordinator and caretaker of the beloved Cherry Trees.

    Read the Article
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    Cherry Blossoms in Bloom

    April 6, 2021

    Photographers from University Communications and Marketing documented the 2021 blooming of OHIO's famous trees, which are enjoyed by Bobcats and community members.

    View Photos
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    Celebrate Springtime with the OHIO Museum Complex

    April 2, 2021

    The OHIO Museum Complex, and students, faculty and staff from the OHIO Office of Global Affairs and Center for International Studies take you on a journey celebrating OHIO’s cherry trees!

    View Spring Activities