Ah, the beauty of the cherry blossoms—a sure sign that spring has sprung, and the earth has begun its annual process of renewal and rebirth.

Except, of course, now. Because there are lots of cherry blossoms currently blooming on the National Mall. They’re beautiful, but will they wreak havok on one of D.C.’s most emblematic springtime traditions, just as the unseasonable warmth has screwed with holiday travel and turned our ice rinks to puddles?

Not to worry, says Mike Litterst, a public affairs officer for the National Mall. You’re seeing blossoms from the Autumn Flowering Cherry, which is a fall blooming version of the Higan Cherry Tree. This varietal has been known to blossom in November and December when the temperature is warm.

“They were out last year as well,” says Litterst. “Blossoming in the fall doesn’t affect their spring bloom.”

Phew! Now you can enjoy the flowers without fear of losing out come springtime. As far as when peak bloom will happen this spring, it’s still too early to tell, according to the folks at Cherry Blossom Watch.