Commercialization and Licensing - Trees
Since before 1923, when the Newport Flowering Plum was released, University of Minnesota breeders have been focused on developing cold hardy, disease resistant and an absolutely beautiful array of trees for Minnesota landscapes.
Some varieties have special licensing agreements for propagation through the Technology Commercialization (TC) website to help assure quality propagation and strong distribution. Ask if varieties you are considering were developed by the U of M.
Many varieties are available from your favorite nurseries. Please order from nurseries that participate in the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC) and help support future landscape plant discoveries. If you propagate U of M varieties, please learn about supporting MNRC by email at ddanielsen@bachmans.com
Licensed Through the U of M
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Firefall™ Freeman Red MapleFirefall™ Freeman Red Maple is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. Firefall™ is currently available to license through the Technology Commercialization website. |
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Skylark™ HornbeamSkylark™ Hornbean is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. Heritage Seedlings and Liners LLC and Speer & Sons Nursery have non-exclusive licenses to propagate and sell Skylark™. Other nurseries interested in obtaining a license to propagate it should go through the Technology Commercialization website. |
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Heart's Desire™ RedbudHeart's Desire™ Redbud is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. In 2020, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. obtained a non-exclusive license to propagate and sell Heart's Desire. Other nurseries interested in obtaining a license to propagate it should go through the Technology Commercialization website. |
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Summertime™ Amur MaackiaSummertime™ Amur Maackia's silvery spring leaves turn deep green and its mottled bark provides winter interest. Small cream-colored flowers appear in late July-early August. Summertime™ is currently available to license through the Technology Commercialization website. |
Supported Through MNRC
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True North™ Kentucky CoffeetreeTrue North™ Kentucky Coffeetree is protected by US Plant Patent and is supported through the MNRC. Nurseries interested in propagating this variety can contact breeder Steve McNamara. |
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Autumn Splendor BuckeyeAutumn 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. |
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Stately Manor Kentucky CoffeetreeStately 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. |
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Princess Kay Flowering PlumPrincess 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. |
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His Majesty CorktreeHis 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. |
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Patton's Silver Splendor White PinePatton'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. |
Firefall™, Summertime™, Skylark™, Heart's Desire™, and True North™ are trademarks of the University of Minnesota.