The Prunus Mume is an Asian tree species whose common names include Japanese Apricot and Chinese Plum. The tree's flowering in late winter and early spring is highly regarded as a seasonal symbol.
Plum blossoms are often mentioned in Japanese poetry as a symbol of spring. When used in haiku or renga, they are the season word for early spring. Plum blossoms were favored during the Nara period (710–794) until the emergence of the Heian period (794–1185) in which the cherry blossoms was preferred.