Japanese Maple Cultivar Registration
The Maple Society, dedicated to furthering the knowledge, supporting the conservation and promoting the culture of all Acer species, was appointed in 1998 as the International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) for this beautiful genus.
The ICRA system aims to promote stability in the naming of cultivated plants by promoting lists of authenticated names in a number of important groups of plants which are commonly cultivated.
With over 3,000 verified cultivars already documented, registration is an important step to guard against duplication, confusion and mis-naming by providing a trusted record detailing the origins and characteristics of a potential new cultivar. Please be aware that registering a cultivar is not the same as patenting or trademarking.
A plant is not, in itself, a cultivar. Do not attempt to register a name if the original plant has not been propagated to the point where a number of identical plants exist.
A cultivar is defined as an assemblage of plants that has been selected for a particular attribute or combination of attributes that is or are clearly distinct, uniform, and stable in the characteristics, and retains the characteristics when propagated by appropriate means.
Successful registration is determined using on the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP), 9th Edition, Appendix VIII, Part 1.
In the words of J.D. Vertrees,"It should be clearly evident that any new selection suitable for naming as a new cultivar must have such outstandingly desirable and distinctive features that it can easily be distinguished from any other existing cultivar."
How to Register a New Japanese Maple Cultivar
Step 1: Confirm that the plant has met the necessary propagation requirements.
Step 2: Select a name. A summary of how to form a cultivar name can be found here. Appendix IX of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants also provides a useful guide to naming new cultivars.
Step 3: Download the registration form and complete. This form is an editable PDF; type directly into the document and save.
Step 4: Collect electronic images and videos that clearly demonstrate the characteristics whereby the cultivar differs from other known cultivars.
Step 5: Submit the completed electronic form, photos, and videos by email to the contact information listed on the form.
After submitting the form, you will receive one of three responses: Accepted, Requires Modification, or Rejected.
If your application is accepted, no further action is required from you. Once the administrative work is completed, you will receive your registration number.
If your application requires modification or is rejected, you may resubmit your application with the required changes.