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:
Buttonbush
What to Look For
- Brown, dried spherical seed heads that persist after flowering.
- Seed heads that have fully matured and are no longer green.
- Shrubs growing in wetlands, pond edges, or moist areas.
- Intact seed heads containing many small seeds.
Collection Tips
- Snip mature seed heads directly from the shrub.
- Collect only a portion of the available seed, leaving plenty for wildlife and natural regeneration.
- Dry seed heads thoroughly before cleaning.
- Gently break apart the dried seed heads to release the small seeds.
- Store cleaned seeds in paper envelopes or breathable containers and label them clearly.
Tulip Tree
What to Look For
- Brown, cone-like seed clusters held upright on the branches.
- Seed clusters that are beginning to break apart naturally.
- Winged seeds (samaras) that are dry and tan to brown in colour.
- Healthy trees free from obvious disease or heavy insect damage.
Collection Tips
- Collect seed clusters in late fall before strong winds disperse the seeds.
- Harvest directly from the tree when possible, rather than from the ground.
- Allow collected seed heads to dry indoors so seeds can be easily separated.
- Store seeds in a cool, dry place until they are ready for stratification.
- Label collection bags with the species name, location, and date collected.