Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help. They can supply native trees and shrubs. These native plants improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation. Plants also improve the appearance and value of a property.
What Is For Sale?
The state provides mainly one-year-old seedlings. These seedlings include pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, beautyberry, buttonbush, deciduous holly, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others.
What Is The Cost?
Seedlings are sold in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from $.22-$.90 per seedings. A sales tax of 6.05 is added to each order and there is an additional $8 handling charge per order. Members with a Heritage card, Permit card, or Conservation ID number receive a 15% discount up to $20.00.
Who Grows These Plants?
The George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking, MO grows these seedlings. They are used for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year. Some species are popular and sell out quickly. This past spring Missouri faced a late freeze that killed or weakened many of the new plants. One of the hardest-hit plants from the frost was the flowering dogwood.
How Can I Order Some?
The MDC has a “2020-2021 Seedling Order Form”. This form can be picked up at an MDC regional office or nature center, online here, or by calling the state nursery at 573-674-3229.
