Sweet cherry tree named `Redlac`

#The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of sweet cherry tree. I have named my new variety "Redlac".

#In 1983, I purchased about one acre of land in La Grande, Ore., that was originally an orchard of various types of sweet cherry trees. Some of the trees were planted in the 1940s and others later. At the time I purchased the land, the cherry trees thereon had been badly neglected for many years.

#I removed all the dead, dying, and badly damaged trees, leaving the following: four Rainiers, three Royal Anns, two Vans, and eight Erickson Lamberts. Identification of these remaining trees was aided at the time by the presence of nearly ripe fruit on all the trees. I also consulted with a local, highly respected botanist familiar with the trees on my land and with regional cherry production in general dating back to the 1940's.

#The accompanying photographs depict the color of the fruit and other parts of my new cherry variety as nearly true as is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustrations of this character.

#FIG. 1 is a color photograph taken in 1988 of a cluster of cherries produced by the Redlac first-generation growth on the mother tree. The tendency to produce abundant fruit from unusually closely spaced spurs is evident.

#FIG. 2 is a color photograph taken in 1991 showing limbs on the Redlac first-generation growth, which exhibit reddish bark and general shape and color of leaves.

#The following is a detailed botanical description of my new variety of cherry tree, wherein colors are designated by reference to The Royal Horticultural Society (London) Colour Chart.

#Genus and species: Prunus avium, L. (sweet cherry).

#Variety: "Redlac".