Rea, Jeff & Kari

About Jeff & Kari Rea

In 2002, Jeff Rea and Kari Baker were married at Memorial Chapel at the University of Maryland. As a commemoration of this wedding, five Yoshino cherries (Prunus x yedoensis) were planted at McKeldin Library. 

About the Yoshino cherry trees

This hybrid cherry of unknown Japanese origin was first noticed in Tokyo about 1872 and is now one of the favorite cultivated cherry trees of Japan and the US alike. We have nearly 200 Prunus x yedoensis on campus. It is distinguished by a round topped crown and is a wide spreading tree that reaches 30 to 50 feet at maturity. The flowers are white, single in clusters of 2 to 5, and almond-scented.