Genus
Salix
10 US plant patents have been granted in this genus. 7 are already in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell them. The next of the 3 still protected comes off patent on July 16, 2027.
Still under patent — 3 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- Golden SunshinePP19370Salix plant named ‘Golden Sunshine’UNDER PATENTJuly 16, 2027
- PreblePP24537Willow plant name ‘Preble’UNDER PATENTAugust 5, 2032
- Lubbers ZwartPP27403Salix plant named ‘Lubbers Zwart’UNDER PATENTJune 15, 2035
Already in the public domain — 7 cultivars
Most recently freed first. Anyone may propagate and sell these plants — though the name it is sold under may still be a live trademark.
- OtiscoPP17997Fast-growing willow shrub named ‘Otisco’PUBLIC DOMAINJanuary 29, 2026
- Tully ChampionPP17946Fast-growing willow shrub named ‘Tully Champion’PUBLIC DOMAINJanuary 16, 2026
- MillbrookPP17646Fast-growing willow shrub named ‘Millbrook’PUBLIC DOMAINOctober 6, 2025
- OneidaPP17682Fast-growing willow shrub named ‘Oneida’PUBLIC DOMAINOctober 6, 2025
- Fish CreekPP17710Fast-growing willow shrub named ‘Fish Creek’PUBLIC DOMAINOctober 6, 2025
- CanastotaPP17724Fast-growing willow shrub named ‘Canastota’PUBLIC DOMAINOctober 6, 2025
- FlamingoPP17490Salix plant named ‘Flamingo’PUBLIC DOMAINAugust 15, 2025
A patent expiring frees the plant, and its cultivar name comes with it — cultivar names cannot be trademarked, so they are always free to use. What it does not free is any brand name the plant is marketed under. Those are trademarks and renew indefinitely.