In the flood of adjectives used to describe Stumpy during the famous cherry tree's last peak bloom — "hero," "icon," "sensation," "celebrity" and so on — "stubborn" is a word used less often. But ...

The beauty of the blossoms brings us down to the tidal basin every spring. But this year, the star of the show seems to be stumpy. He's *** tough guy apparently because he looks like he's only bark.

Rising sea level and sinking seawalls have led to twice-a-day flooding around the Tidal Basin, leaving behind mud and debris. Stumpy, which is in the flood area, has continued to bloom despite its ...