<i>Cercis </i>tree named ‘NC2017-108’

Abstract

‘NC2017-108’ is a new and distinct variety of redbud tree that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety including (1) ease of asexual propagation using chip budding, (2) semi-upright growth habit; (3) foliage with glossy green color; (4) white double flowers produced in abundance during the spring; and female structures that are essentially sterile, resulting in no seed pod set.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of redbud tree (Cercis) named ‘NC2017-108’ having the characteristics substantially as described and illustrated herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) This new redbud is illustrated by the accompanying photographs which show the plant's foliage and inflorescences. The colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the colors of the new redbud.

(2) FIG. 1 is a color photograph showing a three-year-old original tree of ‘NC2017-108’ showing prolific flower production, semi-upright architecture, and excellent branching. Photo taken Apr. 10, 2019, in Jackson Springs, N.C.

(3) FIG. 2 is a color photograph showing prolific production of double white flowers on ‘NC2017-108’. Photo taken Apr. 10, 2019, in Jackson Springs, N.C.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) The following is a detailed description of the botanical characteristics of the new and distinct variety of the redbud tree known by the denomination ‘NC2017-108’. The detailed description was taken on three-year old to four-year old trees in Jackson Springs, N.C. All colors cited herein refer to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.), London, 2007 Edition). Where specific dimensions, sizes, colors, and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations or averages set forth as accurately as practicable.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

(5) Classification: Botanical name.—Cercis canadensis ‘NC2017-108’. Common name.—Redbud. Type of plant.—Deciduous, perennial tree. Parentage: ‘Royal White’ x (NC99-6-1, NC99-6-2, pollen bulk). Plant description: Plant habit.—Semi-upright. Height.—7.9 ft. high (5-year-old tree). Spread.—7.1 ft. wide (5-year-old tree). Branching habit.—well-branched. Trunk: Diameter.—10.1 cm. at 30.5 cm. above the ground. Bark surface.—Rough. Color.—Grey-green (198A). Stems: Stem growth pattern.—Slightly zig-zag (deviating less than 5 degrees from vertical at each node). Color (current season's growth).—Green (143B). Color (one-year previous season's growth).—Brown (N200B). Shape.—Circular. Diameter.—4 mm on new growth. Length (one year old shoots).—51 cm to 64 cm. Internode length (one-year-old dormant shoots).—3.5 cm to 4.1 cm. Surface.—Slightly rugose. Lenticels.—Numerous, about 1 mm or less), circular to slightly elongate, grey-brown (199C). Foliage: Type.—Deciduous. Leaf arrangement.—Alternate. Leaf shape.—Cordate. Leaf venation.—Reticulate. Leaf surface.—Slightly rugose (adaxial and abaxial) (both mature and immature leaves). Leaf margin.—Entire. Leaf attachment.—Petiolate. Leaf length.—9.4 cm to 11 cm (to base of sinus) and 11.5 cm to 13 cm (to end of lobe). Leaf width.—11.5 cm to 12.5 cm (widest portion). Sinus indentation.—0.8 cm to 2.7 cm. Leaf tip.—Distinctly pointed. Leaf base.—Cordate. Margin type.—Entire. Leaf color.—Immature: Adaxial: Green (137B). Abaxial: Green (138B). Mature: Adaxial: Green (137B). Abaxial: Green (138B). Leaf attachment.—Petiolate. Stipules.—Petiolate. Petiole diameter.—2 mm. Petiole length.—3.2 cm to 3.8 cm. Petiole shape.—Round. Petiole color.—Green 143A. Petiole surface.—Smooth, no pubescence. Flowers: Flowering season.—Early April in in central North Carolina, for about 1-2 weeks depending on the temperature. Symmetry.—Radial symmetry (vs. typical bilateral symmetry of redbud). Flower type.—Papillonaceous (pea-like), but with atypical form and petal number. Inflorescence form.—Fasicle. Number of flowers per cluster.—4 to 6. Flower arrangement.—Sessile clusters. Location.—Nodes of previous year's growth, and along older stems and trunk (cauliflory). Length of bloom.—About 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the temperature. Flower length (at full bloom).—8 mm to 10 mm. Flower width (across wings at anthesis).—8 mm to 9 mm. Flower depth (bottom of keel petals to top of wings).—NA. Pedicel length.—9 to 12 mm. Pedicel diameter.—Less than 1 mm. Pedicel shape.—Round. Pedicel color.—Green group 142C. Pedicel surface.—Smooth. Fragrance.—Not detected. Flower bud: Shape.—Slightly elongate to broad oval. Color.—Brown group 200B. Surface.—Smooth. Diameter.—2 mm to 3 mm. Length.—2 mm. Petals: Number.—17 to 24. Color.—White (NN155D). Petal surface.—Smooth (both surfaces). Petals fused or unfused.—Fused. Petal margin.—Entire. Calyx: Shape.—Vase. Length.—2 mm to 3 mm. Diameter.—4 mm to 5 mm. Color.—Green (142B). Surface (inner and outer).—Smooth. Sepals: Number.—1 fused. Color.—Green (142B). Surface.—Rough. Reproductive organs: Pistil.—Often malformed and distorted. Length 3 mm to 5 mm; width less than 1 mm. Surface: Smooth. Number: 1. Stigma.—Shape: Round to slightly oval. Length: Less than 1 mm. Width: Less than 1 mm. Color: Green group (142D). Style.—Shape: Round to slightly flattened. Length: 2 mm to 4 mm. Width: Less than 1 mm. Color: Green group (142D). Stamens: Number.—Rarely develop. Malformed if present. Fused or unfused at the base.—Unfused. Length.—Malformed, largely absent. Width.—Malformed. Color (filament).—None present. Anthers: Shape.—Very rarely formed. When noted, found at tip of petal. Length.—Malformed. Width.—Malformed. Color.—None present. Pollen: Color and amount.—Too sparse to characterize. Ovary: Superior position.—Superior. Shape.—Elongate. Length.—Less than 1 cm. Width.—Less than 1 cm. Color.—Green group (142D). Seed and fruit: No pods or seed produced in four years of observation. Disease and insect resistance: No significant disease or insect pests have been observed. Cold hardiness: Confirmed in 7a, 6a anticipated.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL PLANTS

(6) Regarding comparisons to its parents and other related cultivars, ‘NC2017-108’ differs from its grandparent ‘Flame’ in having double white flowers, in contrast to the double purple flowers of ‘Flame’ and differs from its grandparent ‘Dwarf White’ in having double white flowers in contrast to the single white flowers of ‘Dwarf White’. ‘NC2017-108’ differs from its female parent ‘Royal White’ in having double white flowers in contrast to the single white flowers of ‘Royal White’ and from its male parents NC99-6-1 and NC99-6-2 (pollen bulked) in having double white flowers, in contrast to the double purple flowers of NC99-6-1 and NC99-6-2.

(7) ‘NC2017-108’ differs from its closest near relative, half-sib ‘Pink Pom Poms’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 27,630) (both have ‘Flame’ redbud as a common parent), in having double white flowers in contrast to the double pink flowers of ‘Pink Pom Poms’.