MDC purchasing tree seed from landowners for select species

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) George O. White Tree Nursery in Licking is currently purchasing seed from the public for a variety of species. The nursery conducts seed collections periodically and collected seeds are grown into bare root seedlings.

MDC is currently interested in species that produce seeds in the summer and in fall (see list below).

In southwest Missouri, people can bring seeds to MDC’s Southwest Regional Office at 2630 N. Mayfair in Springfield from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays (state observed holidays excluded). The nursery will quit accepting seed once the quota is reached for that species, so it would be best to call ahead to be sure there is still a need for the seed that you want to collect.

The nursery reserves the right to stop buying seed once needs are met. The nursery also reserves the right to reject seeds that are of poor quality, are not mature, or are mixed with refuse such as leaves and twigs.

People in southwest Missouri who have questions about tree species or how to check to see if the seed is good can contact:

• MDC Community Forester Justin Holmes at 417-895-6881, ext. 1632 or at Holmes@mdc.mo.gov
• MDC District Supervisor Ashley Schnake at 417-895-6881, ext. 1637, or at Schnake@mdc.mo.gov
• MDC District Supervisor Paul Johnson at 417-895-6881, ext. 1631, or at Johnson@mdc.mo.gov

Folks can also get information from George O. White Nursery Supervisor Mike Fiaoni at Michael.Fiaoni@mdc.mo.gov. Information about managing trees on your property can be found at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/forest-care.

Here is information about the MDC tree seed purchase program currently underway:

The following species are currently being accepted. All prices are per pound of fruit:

• Serviceberry (Fruit must be ripe, purple to black in color): $7

The following species will be accepted beginning July 6:

• Black cherry (Fruit must be ripe, black in color), $6
• Wild plum (Plum must be ripe, which means it must be yellow, red, or orange. No partially green fruit will be accepted.): $1.95

The following species will be accepted beginning Aug. 24:

• Hazelnut (Seed must be mature, light-brown, and easily pulled from husk. No green or partially husks will be accepted. Please be patient and allow the seed to mature on the plant.): $4.75

The following species will be accepted beginning Sept. 8:

• Flowering dogwood: $5
• Mixed hickory: $.75
• Shellbark hickory: $0.90
• Persimmon (Persimmon fruit must be ripe, which means it must be yellow, red, or orange. No partially green fruit will be accepted.): $.75
• Paw paw (Fruit must be ripe, which means it will be soft. Seed will not be accepted if fruit is too firm.): $1.50

The following species will be accepted beginning Sept.21:

• White oak: $0.95
• Chinkapin oak: $2.50
• Post oak: $1.50
• Butternut: $3
• Ohio buckeye (without hulls): $0.95
• Red buckeye (without hulls): $0.95

The following species will be accepted beginning Oct. 1:

• Pin oak: $1.25

The following species will be accepted beginning Oct. 22:

• Deciduous holly: $4.50

The following species will be accepted beginning Nov. 26:

• Kentucky coffee tree (No pods. Clean seed only): $4.50