Cherry tree (King-44-p-477)

Abstract

A cherry tree which is large, vigorous, upright, dense, vase-formed, and hardy; foliated with large, ovate, medium thick, smooth, abruptly pointed, dark green leaves having a crenate to coarsely serrate margin, a petiole of medium length and thickness, and medium size, alternate, reniform, red glands; blooms early from hardy, free buds of medium size and length; the flowers being of medium size and white; and is a regular and very productive bearer of early and evenly ripening, semi-freestone, uniform, medium size fruit broadly compressed toward the suture, the fruit having thick to medium thick, tough skin dark purple when eating ripe, and red flesh.

It is claimed: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized, in particular, by blooming approximately four days before the Bing, and by the regular and very productive bearing of tough-skinned, firm, sweet, excellent quality, semi-freestone fruit which ripens approximately one week before the Bing; the stem of the fruit being easily detached from the fruiting spurs yet firmly attached to the fruit, and there being resistance to occurrence of spurs and doubling in the fruit in very hot climatic conditions.