MDC purchasing tree seed at Chillicothe on Oct. 4, 18, and 25

Chillicothe, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is currently purchasing tree seed from the public for a variety of species. Seed purchased will be used to grow seedlings at MDC’s George O. White Tree Nursery in Licking. The nursery conducts seed collections periodically to grow trees for conservation plantings on public and private lands. MDC is currently interested in species that produce seed late in the summer and in fall (see list below).

In northwest Missouri, people can bring their seed to MDC’s Chillicothe Office at 15368 LIV 2386, which is just off U.S. 36 east of Chillicothe. The collection dates and times will be: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Seed collectors may also call to schedule a time for seed purchase at 660-646-6122.

MDC will quit accepting seed once the nursery’s quota has been reached for that tree species, 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 northwest Missouri who have questions about a tree species or how to check to see if the seed is good can contact MDC Forester Samantha Anderson at 660-646-6122, or Samantha.Anderson@mdc.mo.gov. People can also get information from George O. White Nursery Manager Mike Fiaoni at Michael.Fiaoni@mdc.mo.gov.

Here is tree seed the nursery is currently requesting (all prices are per pound):

• Hazelnut (seed must be mature, light brown and easily pulled from husk. No green or partially green husks will be accepted. Please be patient and allow seed to mature on the plant), $3.75
• Gray dogwood, $4.65
• Roughleaf dogwood, $4.65
• Mixed hickory, $0.60
• Shellbark hickory, $0.75
• Persimmon, (Persimmon fruit must be ripe – yellow, red, or orange. No partially green fruit will be accepted.) $0.60
• Redbud, (Pods must be brown and have an average of three seeds per pod that are light brown and filled, not black. Green seed pods will not be accepted.) $3.75 per pound, seed must still be in pods
• Northern red oak, $0.75
• White oak, $0.75
• Bur oak, $0.95

• Chinkapin oak, $2.25
• Post oak, $1.25
• Butternut, $2.50
• Northern red oak, $0.75
• Swamp white oak, $1.40