Drops of Gold

Drops of Gold

Japanese holly plant named ‘Drops of Gold’

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Patent expired December 26, 2022. 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 1 of US plant patent PP14420, the photograph of Drops of Gold printed in the patent.

Figure 1 from US Plant Patent PP14420, 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.

Abstract

A new variety of Ilex crenata plant is provided that is well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in the landscape. The new variety is believed to be a spontaneous mutation of unknown causation of the ‘Hetzii’ variety (non-patented in the United States). The foliage of the new variety is particularly distinctive and when exposed to full sun during its formation is dark glossy green with irregular bright golden yellow variegation. An attractive broad upright spreading growth habit is displayed. Dioecious female function flower are formed. Good hardiness is displayed in U.S.D.A. Hardiness Zone No. 6a.

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

I claim: 1. A new and distinct Japanese Holly plant having the following combination of characteristics: (a) when exposed to full sun during formation the foliage is dark glossy green with irregular bright golden yellow variegation that is absent in the parent ‘Hetzii’ variety, (b) exhibits an attractive broad upright spreading growth habit, (c) forms dioecious female functional flowers, and, (d) has proven to be hardy in U.S.D.A. Hardiness Zone No. 6A; substantially as herein shown and described.

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP14420 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.

The record

Abstract