Seed Gathering

Useful Information

Tree Identification:
There are 3 great apps for identifying trees. You just take a picture of the leaves and (usually) the right species will pop up. Confirm the identification by googling the tree suggested and identifying other features.

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Container for Collecting:
Collect the seeds in a breathable container, such as a basket or cloth bag. Plastic bags/containers cause moisture build-up, which will make the seeds mildew, rapidly diminishing viability.

Where to Gather

Gather seeds from trees within your community – friends/neighbors’ yards, businesses, local parks, etc. Some arboretums and nature preserves allow seed gathering for purposes like this. It goes without saying… get permission first.

When to Gather

The seeds must be mature - immature seeds will not germinate. But don’t tarry because you are competing with wildlife (both animal and insect). Once the seeds fall to the ground, or dry and turn brown, you’re good to go.

The picture shows immature redbud seed pods (green) vs mature ones (brown).

Check the ‘Tree Info’ section for tree-specific seed information.

When to Plant

ASAP! Plant as soon as possible after the seeds have been gathered, as some seeds lose viability quickly. If you must store the seeds, do so in a breathable container (baskets are ideal), since moisture build-up will make them mildew, diminishing viability. Protect from critters.

Choosing Which Species to Grow

Promote Biological Diversity:
Select species that will increase biological diversity in your community, as this helps prevent devastating loss of tree canopy when a pest or blight hits (being that most are species specific). So, instead of growing Maple trees, which are everywhere, choose less populated ones.

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Easy to Grow:
Ginkgo, Bald Cypress, Oak, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Buckeye are easy to grow, and transplant well. (Hickories are easy to germinate but don’t transplant well, so I tend to avoid them).

More Difficult to Grow:
Small seeds like Sycamore, Tulip Poplar, Mulberry, Catalpa are tedious to get started. They need to be kept evenly moist before germination, and for awhile thereafter (because the seedlings are so tiny).

Note:
Check our 'Region-Specific Tree Info' section, for info on different species. If we don’t have the information you need, check the “Useful Resources” section, under “Misc.”
[Please share your experience with us so we can post it for others - Thanks!]

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Species NOT to Grow:
Some highly invasive trees in the mid-west region of the US (not to be grown):
Tree-of-Heaven, Ailanthus, or Chinese sumac (See pictures below)
White Poplar or Silver Poplar
Ornamental Pears, known as Bradford, Aristocrat, Callery, etc.

[Check with your local county extension service or state department of forestry for trees to avoid in your area. Then send us the info so we can post it here. Thanks!]

Respect for Wildlife

Wildlife depends on tree seeds for food, so never take more than half.

Seed Availability:

While some trees produce seeds every year, others (such as oaks) produce every few years. But when the latter do produce, they do so in great abundance, an occurrence known as a ‘mast year’.