GOLDSPUR®  AMUR CHERRY

• Botanical name: Prunus maackii 'Jefspur'

• Origin: Seedling tree of the introduced species, Amur Cherry. Goldspur is a dwarf selection discovered in Saskatoon, SK. The parent tree was selected in 1998 by Dr. Philip Ronald. It will be available in garden centres in spring 2008.

• Hardiness: Zone 2 (Canadian and USDA)

• Growth Rate: Moderate; very short internodes.

• Description: A unique selection of Amur Cherry with dense, peach-like tufts of dark green foliage. The parent tree of Goldspur is about 12 feet (4 m) in height with a 6 foot spread (2 m); approximately 50% smaller than the species. We are confident that this dwarfing has a genetic basis since seedling progeny exhibit the same trait.

• Landscape Value: Goldspur is a very distinctive tree with its dwarf growth habit and dense, dark-green foliage. Goldspur has shorter racemes of white flowers than Prunus maackii,  followed by tiny black fruit. As one of the first clones of Amur Cherry, it offers uniformity in this underused species. An excellent small tree for the landscape. Resistant to black knot fungal disease.

• Propagation: Agriforest Biotechnology holds exclusive propagation rights until 2010. Canadian Plant Breeders Rights and U.S. Plant Patent applied for. JNL Royalty of $1.00 per plant.

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