In southwest Missouri, seed can be taken to MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield.
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.
In southwest Missouri, people can bring their seed to MDC’s Southwest Regional Office at 2630 N. Mayfair from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday through Nov. 10. The nursery will quit accepting seed once the quota has been reached for that tree, so it would be best to call ahead to be sure there is still a need for the seed that is being brought in.
The nursery reserves the right to stop buying seed once needs are met. The nursery also reserves the right to reject seed that is poor quality, is not mature, or is 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 Forester Paul Johnson at 417-895-6881, ext. 1631 or at [email protected]. People can also get information from George O. White Nursery Manager Mike Fiaoni at [email protected].
Here is tree seed the nursery is currently requesting and (all prices are per pound):
- Aromatic/fragrant sumac, $6.50
- Serviceberry (fruit must be ripe, purple to black in color), $6.50
- Red mulberry, $5
- Black cherry (will begin accepting seed July 10, fruit must be ripe – black in color), $5.50
- Wild plum, (will begin accepting seed July 10, plum must be ripe which means it will be yellow, red, or orange, no partially green fruit will be accepted) $1.75
- Elderberry (will begin accepting see July 31, fruit must be ripe, purple to black in color, and fruit only, no clusters), $4
- Hazelnut, $3.75 (will begin accepting seed, Aug. 28, seed must be mature, light brown and easily pulled from husk, no green or partially green husks will be accepted), $3.75
- Spicebush, (will begin accepting seed, Aug. 28), $4
