Revised international registry of cultivars and germplasm of the genus Amelanchier

Abstract

An updated International Registry of the genus Amelanchier, consisting of 32 ornamental cultivars and 25 cultivars grown for fruit, was created on the basis of published information, unpublished research data, and observations made by originators or their successors. Additionally, in 1997 a survey of the location and availability of Amelanchier germplasm was sent to 60 botanical gardens and arboreta across Canada and throughout the central and northern United States. Thirtythree replies were received of which 31 of the gardens or arboreta had Amelanchier germplasm. The collection of Amelanchier at the University of Saskatchewan was included in the survey results. The survey indicated that various Amelanchier species and cultivars are widely distributed. A total of 25 different species, subspecies or varieties, 8 different hybrids, and 42 different cultivars were reported as being held in the collections surveyed. This study comprises the most recent, comprehensive and quantitatively characterised list of Amelanchier cultivars to date. This information will be beneficial to the nursery industry in terms of cultivar characterisation, the exchange of plant material, and the development and distribution of new Amelanchier cultivars. © 2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.