Plant Availability
For over 100 years, the University of Minnesota has released new and exciting varieties of fruits, landscape plants and grasses.
Currently the University offers license agreements for several of our fruit and landscape plant varieties. For information on how you can obtain a license to commercially grow these varieties please visit our Commercialization and Licensing page. For a list of currently licensed nurseries please see our Licensed Nurseries: Apples and Licensed Nurseries: Grapes lists.
Below you will find information on availability and licensing status of several U of M plant varieties but please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Apples
Apples
Rave® and First Kiss® Apples
Rave® and First Kiss® apples are brands of the MN55 apple cultivar, which is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. (US Plant Patent 26,412)
Rave® has been exclusively licensed by the University of Minnesota. More information on availability and licensing can be found on the Rave® webpage.
Commercial apple growers in Minnesota can obtain information regarding licenses to grow MN55 apples under the First Kiss® brand by contacting the Office for Technology Commercialization. (Technology #20110037)
SnowSweet® Apple Tree
SnowSweet® (Technology #z03140) apple tree is currently patented in the U.S. and licensed through the University's Office for Technology Commercialization.
Check our list of Licensed Wholesale and Retail Nurseries for an updated listing of licensed nurseries in the U.S. and Canada.
Zestar!® Apple Tree
Zestar!® (Technology #97120) apple tree is no longer under patent protection in the U.S. but licenses are required to propagate these trees outside the U.S. A license can be obtained through the University's Office for Technology Commercialization.
Check our list of Licensed Wholesale and Retail Nurseries for an updated list of nurseries in Canada and other parts of the world currently licensed to grow Zestar!®.
Honeycrisp (aka Honeycrunch®) Apple Tree
The US patent for Honeycrisp (PP7,197) apple tree expired in 2008. An international plant variety protection including territories of Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and South Africa is still in effect and can be obtained through the University's Office for Technology Commercialization (Technology #88106).
Check our list of Licensed Wholesale and Retail Nurseries for an updated list of nurseries in Canada and other parts of the world currently licensed to grow Honeycrisp.
To order in the U.S., please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
SweeTango® Apple tree
The Minneiska apple tree variety (US Plant Patent 18,812) is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. SweeTango® has been exclusively licensed by the University of Minnesota.
More information on availability and licensing can be found on the SweeTango® website or by contacting the Office for Technology Commercialization.
Frostbite™, Sweet 16, State Fair, and Keepsake Apple Trees
Frostbite™, Sweet 16, State Fair, and Keepsake apple trees are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Beacon, Centennial Crabapple, Chestnut Crabapple, Red Baron, Honeygold, Haralson, Regent, Fireside/Connell Red, and Prairie Spy Apple Trees
Beacon, Centennial Crabapple, Chestnut Crabapple, Red Baron, Honeygold, Haralson, Regent, Fireside/Connell Red, and Prairie Spy apple trees are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Frostbite™ is a trademark of the University of Minnesota and SnowSweet® (Wildung variety), Honeycrunch®, Zestar!® (Minnewashta variety), SweeTango® (Minneiska variety) and Rave®/First Kiss® are registered trademarks of the University of Minnesota.
Grape Vines
Grape Vines
La Crescent, Frontenac gris, Marquette and Itasca Grape Vines
La Crescent, Frontenac gris, Marquette and Itasca grape vines have been issued U.S. Plant Patents and Plant Variety Protection has been applied for in Canada. Licenses to propagate these vines must be obtained through the University's Office of Technology Commercialization.
Check our list of Licensed Wholesale and Retail Nurseries for an updated listing of licensed nurseries in the U.S. and Canada.
Note: A license for Itasca can currently be arranged by contacting Thomas Hutton at the Office for Technology Commercialization but vines will not be released until 2017.
Frontenac, Frontenac blanc, and Edelweiss Grape Vines
Frontenac, Frontenac Blanc, and Edelweiss grape vines are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Bluebell and Swenson Red Grape Vines
Bluebell and Swenson Red grape vines are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Berries
Berries
Pink Popcorn® Blueberry
The U of M's newest berry Pink Popcorn® Blueberry is currently patented in the U.S. In 2014, it was released exclusively through Briggs Nursery.
Strawberries: Itasca™, Mesabi™, and Winona™
Itasca™, Mesabi™, and Winona™ strawberries are currently patented in the U.S. and licensed through the University's Office of Technology Commercialization.
Latham Raspberry
Latham raspberry is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but is available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Ben Chaska, Ben Como, and Big Lake Currants
Ben Chaska, Ben Como, and Big Lake currants are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Chippewa, Northblue, Northcountry, Northsky, Polaris, St. Cloud, and Superior Blueberries
Chippewa, Northblue, Northcountry, Northsky, Polaris, St. Cloud, and Superior blueberries are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Pink Popcorn® is a registered trademark of the University of Minnesota and Itasca™, Mesabi™, and Winona™ are trademarks of the University of Minnesota.
Pears
Pears
Summercrisp Pear
Supercrisp pear is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Golden Spice and Parker Pear
Golden Spice and Parker pears are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search for U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Stone Fruits
Stone Fruits
Alderman Plum
Alderman plum is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Moongold and Sungold Apricots
Moongold and Sungold apricots are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Meteor and North Star Tart Cherries
Meteor and North Star tart cherries are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
La Crescent, Pipestone, Superior, and Underwood Plums
La Crescent, Pipestone, Superior, and Underwood plums are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes
Ground Jewel™ and Ground Dew™ Dwarf Tomatoes
Ground Jewel™ and Ground Dew™ dwarf tomatoes are currently patented in the U.S. and licensed through the University's Office of Technology Commercialization.
Ground Jewel™ and Ground Dew™ are trademarks of the University of Minnesota.
Flowers
Flowers
Mammoth™ Mums
Mammoth™ Dark Bronze Daisy, Coral Daisy, Lavender Daisy, Red Daisy, and Yellow Quill are currently licensed through the Office of Technology Commercialization to Spring Hill Nursery. Previously the Mammoth™ mums marketed as Maxi-Mums and My Favorite™.
Snowstorm Guara
Snowstorm gaura is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Peach Centerpiece and Sesquicentennial Sun Chrysanthemums
Peach Centerpiece and Sesquicentennial Sun chrysanthemums are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Inca, Lemonsota, Minngopher, Minnqueen, Minnrose, Minnruby, Minnwhite, Minnyellow, Snowsota, Burnt Copper, Centerpiece, Rose Blush, Snowscape, and Mammoth Dark Pink Daisy, Twilight Pink Daisy, and White Daisy Crysanthemums
Inca™, Lemonsota, Minngopher, Minnqueen, Minnrose, Minnruby, Minnwhite, Minnyellow, Snowsota, Burnt Copper, Centerpiece, Rose Blush, Snowscape, as well as, Mammoth™ Dark Pink Daisy, Twilight Pink Daisy, and White Daisy chrysanthemums are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Mammoth™, My Favorite™, and Inca™ are trademarks of the University of Minnesota. Mammoth™ mums were previously marketed as Maxi-Mums and My Favorite™.
Woody Ornamentals
Woody Ornamentals
Summer Cascade Wisteria
The U of M's newest, and only, Wisteria Summer Cascade was released in 2013 exclusively through Bailey Nurseries.
New "Electic Lights" Azaleas
The U of M's newest azaleas, Electric Lights Red and Electric Lights Double Pink, were released in 2015 exclusively through Bailey Nurseries.
Northern Accents™ Ole, Sven, and Lena Roses
Northern Accents™ Ole, Sven, and Lena roses are currently patented in the U.S. and licensed through the University's Office of Technology Commercialization.
Candy Lights™, Lilac Lights™, and Tri Lights™ Azaleas
Candy Lights™, Lilac Lights™, and Tri Lights™ azaleas are currently patented in the U.S. and licensed through the University's Office of Technology Commercialization.
Lights Series Azaleas
Golden Lights, Lemon Lights, Mandarin Lights, Northern Lights, Northern Hi-Lights, Orchid Lights, Rosy Lights, Spicy Lights, and White Lights azaleas are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Apricot Surprise Azalea
Apricot Surprise Azalea is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but is available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Summer Waltz Rose
Summer Waltz Rose was released in 2012 as an exclusive variety sold only at the Minnesota Landscape Aboretum Auxilary Plant Sale.
Homefree Viburnum
HomeFree™ viburnum is currently patented in the U.S. Nurseries interested in licensing this variety can contact breeder Stan Hokanson.
Cardinal and Garden Glow™ Dogwoods
Cardinal and Garden Glow™ dogwoods are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Northern Pearls Pearlbush
Northern Pearls Pearlbush is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Northern Sun Forsythia
Northern Sun Forsythia is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Emerald Triumph Viburnum
Emerald Triumph Viburnum is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Isanti Dogwood
Isanti dogwood is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but is available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Candy Lights™, Lilac Lights™, Tri Lights™, Northern Accents™, and Golden Glow™ are trademarks of the University of Minnesota.
Trees
Trees
True North™ Kentucky Coffeetree
The University's newest kentucky coffeetree, True North™, is currently patented in the U.S. Nurseries interested in licensing this variety can contact breeder Steve McNamara.
Firefall™ Freeman Red Maple
Firefall™ Freeman red maple is currently patented in the U.S. and can be licensed through the University's Office of Technology Commercialization.
Summertime™ Amur Maackia
Summertime™ Amur Maackia is currently patented in the U.S. and can be licensed through the University's Office of Technology Commercialization.
Autumn Splendor Buckeye
Autumn Splendor Buckeye is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Stately Manor Kentucky Coffeetree
Stately Manor Kentucky Coffeetree is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Princess Kay Flowering Plum
Princess Kay Flowering Plum is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
His Majesty Corktree
His Majesty Corktree is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Patton's Silver Splendor White Pine
Patton's Silver Splendor White Pine is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC).
Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries.
Newport Flowering Plum
Newport flowering plum is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but is available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Minnesota Strain Redbud
Minnesota Strain redbud is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but is available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Flame, Radiant, Sparkler, and Vanguard Crabapple Trees
Flame, Radiant, Sparkler, and Vangueard crabappple trees are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Uncle Fogey Jack Pine
Uncle Fogey jack pine is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but is available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Wissota Red Pine
Wissota red pine is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but is available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search the U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
Autumn Spire and Northwood Red Maples
Autumn Spire and Northwood red maples are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but are available in the U.S.
Please contact your favorite local retail or wholesale nursery to order or search for U of M Plant Information Database for availability.
True North™, Firefall™, and Summertime™ are trademarks of the University of Minnesota.
Grasses
Grasses
Blue Heaven™ Bluestem
Blue Heaven™ Bluestem ('MinnblueA') is currently patented (PP17,310) in the U.S. and licensed through the University's Office of Technology Commercialization.
Check our list of nurseries currently licensed to propagate Blue Heaven™.
Turfgrasses
Turfgrass licensing, including kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, is handled through a partnership with the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA).
Check the MCIA page for information about the organization and obtaining a license.
Blue Heaven™ is a trademark of the University of Minnesota.
