バラ科サクラ属の落葉高木で、学名は Prunus nipponica (syn. Cerasus nipponica var. nipponica)。英名は Japanese alpine cherry。
The Japanese alpine cherry (Prunus nipponica) belongs to Rosaceae (the Rose family). It is a tall deciduous tree that is distributed northward from Chubu district of Honshu to Hokkaido. This tree is located highest above sea level, such as sub-alpine zone among Japanese cherries. The white to pale rose pink flowers bloom descending as soon as foliation from May to July. It is defined by hairless peduncles and calyx tubes. The fruits have an acid taste and ripen blackish purple from July to August.