The Community Tree Nursery is collecting native tree seeds for our growing programs! You can support us by identifying if you have the species we’re looking for, collecting and dropping them off at our offices at 944 Western Counties Rd.
Please email Julianna at [email protected] to coordinate drop-off of your donation, or to ensure you’re collecting the correct species.
Current Species to Collect:
American Basswood
- What to look for:
- Simple, alternately arranged leaves with coarse, long-pointed edges in an oblique heart shape
- Grows as a large tree with grey-brown bark and deep, scaly, parallel ridges
- Fruits are fuzzy, nearly round, pea-sized capsules attached to leaf-like wings
- Tips for collection:
- Tips for collection:
- Organize drop off before picking, as these seeds are very susceptible to drying out and dying
- Pick the capsules when they are yellow, beginning mid-August to September
- Store the capsules in a well-ventilated bag, such as burlap, with some added moisture (e.g. misting before storing) – be sure to keep cool