Missouri Conservation Department to begin taking orders for native tree seedlings Sept. 2
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Conservation will begin taking orders Sept. 2 for native tree and shrub seedlings from its George O. White State Forest Nursery.
Officials said native trees and shrubs not only improve the appearance and value of property but also help wildlife habitat, soil health and water conservation. The nursery offers a variety of low-cost seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other uses.
Available seedlings include species such as pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, elderberry, sumac, wild plum and witch hazel.
“The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly,” Forest Nursery Supervisor Mike Fiaoni said. He noted that even if a variety is listed as sold out, customers can still place an order in case of cancellations. Customers are only charged if seedlings are available to ship.
Most seedlings are one-year-old bare-root plants, sold in bundles of 10 or increments of 25. Prices range from 40 cents to $1.17 per seedling, plus tax, shipping and a $9 handling fee per order. Customers with a Conservation ID Number receive a 15% discount, up to $20 off per order. Seedlings can be shipped or picked up at the nursery in Licking from February through May.
New this year, MDC will offer four types of specialty bundles — wildlife, pollinator, edible and nut bundles — with each customer limited to two of each. The bundles provide food, cover and pollination benefits for both wildlife and people.
Orders can be placed online through April 15, 2026, at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings. The 2025–2026 Seedling Order Form will also be available in the September issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at MDC offices and nature centers, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or Order Seedlings | Missouri Department of Conservation.
