also: さくらばな
noun
A slightly literary or formal term for cherry blossoms, often used in poetry, names, or elevated contexts. In everyday speech, 桜 (さくら) is more common.
桜花が満開の季節になった。
The season of cherry blossoms in full bloom has arrived.
この公園は桜花の名所として知られている。
This park is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms.
The everyday word for cherry blossoms and cherry trees. 桜花 is more literary and specifically refers to the blossoms themselves.
Compound of 桜 (cherry) and 花 (flower). The reading おうか is the on'yomi, while さくらばな is a kun'yomi compound reading.