this post was submitted on 19 Apr 2026
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Mildly Interesting
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Thanks!
So, TIL that the English term "flower" is used in a much broader sense than its supposed direct German translation "Blume".
Nobody in Germany would say a tree has flowers (Blumen), but that it has blossoms (Blüten).
And "Flowering Plants" are also named "Blütenpflanzen" ("Blossom Plants").
So saying "tree flowers" sounds really, really odd to me.
Like someone calling a jumping frog "a flying frog".
So thanks for the explanation, would never have guessed that by myself but will now use it in all my future tree-related discussions! :-)
In English, in my opinion at least, "flower" describes the inflorescence at any point in its growth cycle, while "blossom" describes the flower at its fullest development. More often though, "blossom" is used as a verb meaning to bloom or to develop.
"Blossom" essentially means "flower". It's just not used as often. At least not in American English.
I usually say ‘blossoms’ for trees though it can sometimes imply blossoming IE new flowers in English
But your username also gives me slight vibes you might have some affiliation with the German language... ;-)