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The Patent Garden

US Plant Patent PP12417

Regal Lee

Cherry tree named ‘Regal Lee’

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Patent expired April 3, 2020. This plant is in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it.

No term adjustment or disclaimer is recorded against this patent, so this is the full statutory term — twenty years from the filing date.

Figure 4 of US plant patent PP12417, the photograph of Regal Lee printed in the patent.
Figure 4 from US Plant Patent PP12417, reproduced as printed. Photographs in a plant patent are taken by the applicant. Reproduction of the patent document is permitted; the image is shown whole and uncropped for that reason.

The record

Patent number
PP12417
Filed
April 3, 2000
Granted
February 26, 2002
Expires
April 3, 2020
Inventor
ZAIGER CHRIS FLOYD; ZAIGER GARY NEIL; GARDNER LEITH MARIE; ZAIGER GRANT GENE

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of cherry tree ( Prunus avium ) with the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Mahaleb’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Hanford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., and with standard commercial cultural fruit growing practices, such as, pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. 1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 2. Fruit maturing in the early season. 3. Very firm fruit with good handling and storage ability. 4. The ability of the fruit to remain firm on the tree 14 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 5. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 6. Fruit with attractive red skin color. 7. A low winter chilling requirement of approximately 500 hours at or below 45° F.

Show the legal claimThe single numbered claim as granted — the legal text that defines what this patent covers.

We claim: 1. A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous, upright growth, a low winter chilling requirement of approximately 500 hours at or below 45° F., and being a regular and productive bearer of medium to large size, attractive red skin fruit that matures in the early season; the fruit is further characterized by its very firm flesh and has the ability to remain firm on the tree 14 days past maturity, very good flavor and eating quality and, in comparison to ‘Early Burlat’ Cherry (non-patented), the new variety of cherry tree blooms approximately 11 days earlier and the fruit has firmer flesh and is approximately 6 days later in maturity.

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP12417 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.