Prunus serrulata is a small deciduous tree with a short single trunk, with a dense crown reaching a height of 8–12 metres (26–39 ft). The smooth bark is chestnut-brown and at the end of autumn, the green leaves turn yellow, red or crimson. Widely grown as a flowering ornamental tree, both in its native countries and throughout the temperate regions of the world. It is viewed as part of the Japanese custom of Hanami.