The George O. White State Forest Nursery has always strived to produce seedlings economically that met specific soil, wildlife and forestry conservation needs. Many of these seedlings were not available commercially.
The 1998-99 order forms will be available in November for 60 species, as compared to last year's 38. The nursery emphasizes providing stock that is native to the state and is minimizing exotic plants, except with pine. The only native pine (shortleaf) isn't suitable for windbreak plantings in north Missouri, so eastern white pine, Austrian pine and red pine will still be available. Scotch pine is still available for a few more years for Christmas tree growers, but plans are to phase it out eventually.
This year is the first time that certified walnut, pecan and shellbark hickory will be available. These trees have been grown from seeds of trees that have been verified as having good growth and nut production. With the exception of white oak, the supply for individual species this year is excellent.
Additionally, the overall size of the average seedling has substantially increased. With the exception of a couple of species that transplant best at 8 to 10 inches tall, it will be common for seedlings to be at least 15 to 20 inches tall.
Seedling costs have risen slightly this year after remaining the same for almost a decade. Hardwood seedlings will be $5 per 25. Most conifers will be up $1 per 25 from last year's prices. Regular walnut and pecan will hold at $6 per 25 and certified seedlings will run $7 per 25 for shellbark hickory and pecan, with walnut being $9 per 25.
Green Horizons readers should receive an order form automatically this year. If you haven't received one by Thanksgiving, you can obtain a form from your local Missouri Department of Conservation office, by calling the nursery at (573) 674-3229 or faxing them at (573) 674-4047.
Also, by November the nursery should have its own home page on the World Wide Web which will be listed on the order form. Lots of useful information on tree selection, planting tips and techniques, as well as a continuously updated listing of available species is planned for the site. Because orders are billed after they are received (thereby avoiding the need for a secure site), tree planters should be able to place their orders online, too.
This year, there will be a toll-free number for checking on seedling availability (1-800-392-3222). For those who don't have access to a computer, there is a companion book to the nursery's order form that has illustrations and key information for almost all of the plants available. Copies of Missouri Conservation Trees and Shrubs are available, free of charge, by writing to Distribution Center/ Free Publications, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.
- Bob DeWitt