Abstract: A new distinctive cultivar of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) named `Somerset` (formerly tested as NY 6476) which is exceptional in combining 1) firm, highly attractive fruit that resist rain induced fruit cracking, 2) a tree habit that branches more profusely than many other cultivars and which facilitates precocious cropping, and 3) having a unique affinity of genetic compatibility with some hybrid cherry rootstock cultivars that cause genetic incompatibility and early decline in many other scion cultivars.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 13, 1997
Date of Patent:
November 9, 1999
Assignee:
Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert L. Andersen, Susan K. Brown, Roger D. Way, Kenneth G. Livermore, David E. Terry
Abstract: A new cultivar of Sugar Maple tree (i.e., Acer saccharum) is provided that exhibits beautiful thick leathery glossy deep green leaves. The leaf bases also tend to be more truncate than those typical of Acer saccharum. The leaves possess a waxy upper surface. The tree is a vigorous grower and exhibits superior performance when exposed to summer heat and wind. Accordingly, good resistance to leaf tatter that is common in Sugar Maple trees is exhibited. The branching habit is substantially symmetrical. Attractive fall leaf coloration in shades of yellow, orange and red generally is exhibited. Also, the winter hardiness is good. The new cultivar is well suited for growing in the landscape as an attractive ornamental shade tree.