Missouri’s Department of Conservation has a large inventory of tree seedlings, including extra-large seedlings, at its state forest nursery near Licking.

A fortunate set of circumstances conspired to make this year’s seedling supply especially bountiful.

Most seedlings from the nursery are less than a foot tall. However, there are some 3- and 4-foot seedlings of selected species – black gum, tulip poplar, green ash, bald cypress, swamp white oak, bur oak, pin oak, shumard oak, red oak, pecan and black walnut.

Some trees, like blackberries and pecans, also can provide good eating. Others, like tulip poplar, bald cypress and silver maple, are highly decorative.

The nursery sells plants in bundles of 25 seedlings for prices ranging from $3 to $12. Orders are accepted from mid-November through April 30.

A full list of trees and shrubs available through the state forest nursery is available at www.mdc.mo.gov/forest/nursery. Call 573-674-3229 to request a catalog by mail.