Tree and Shrub Seedling Selection

Call it a food forest, a garden, a nature preserve, or a tree nursery. We’re thrilled to share the progress we’ve made, which has resulted in the removal of 80% of the wintercreeper and bush honeysuckle, paving the way for restoring and diversifying the ecosystem. Its not an exaggeration to express that this feels spiritual. Choosing plants is like choosing children or choosing parents.

In collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation, we’re excited to share our selection of tree and shrub seedlings from the State Nursery. While availability may vary, we have curated a list of species that we intend to plant within and around the garden. Some will be strategically positioned along creek banks to fortify the soil and combat erosion, while others will provide valuable habitats and food for humans and wildlife.

Tree and shrub species include:

Edible Fruits/Nuts for Humans and Wildlife:

• Pecan 70-100 ft tall
• Red Mulberry 20-60 ft tall
• Blackberry Varies (low shrub)
• Wild Plum 12-20 ft tall
• Elderberry  5-12 ft tall
• Black Cherry (fruits can be consumed, but the pits are toxic) 35-60 ft tall
• Persimmon 35-60 ft tall
• PawPaw  12-20 ft tall

Humans, birds, insects, squirrels, turtles, frogs, chipmunks, deer, butterflies, bees

Wildlife Habitat and Food Sources:

• Witch hazel (provides late-season nectar for pollinators) 10-20 ft tall
• Spicebush (attracts insects for wildlife) 6-12 ft tall
• Black Walnut  70-100 ft tall
• Redbud (provides early-season nectar for pollinators) 20-30 ft tall
• Serviceberry  6-20 ft tall
• Black Oak  50-80 ft tall
• Bur Oak  70-80 ft tall
• Sandbar Willow (provides habitat and food for various species) 10-50 ft tall
• Sycamore (creates habitat for birds and mammals)  70-100 ft tall
• Mixed Hickory (provides nuts for wildlife) Size Varies (tree species)

Humans, Butterflies, bees, insects, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, birds

Wetland Stabilization, Winter Cover, Food Sources, and Habitat Creation:

• Bald Cypress (thrives in wetland environments, provides habitat) 70-120 ft tall
• E Red Cedar 30-40 ft tall
• Loblolly Pine   80-100 ft tall
• White Pine   50-80 ft tall
• Norway Spruce (not native, but provides shelter) 40-60 ft tall
• Northern Red Oak (Nutrient-Rich Acorns for Wildlife)  60-75 ft tall
• Sandbar Willow (helps prevent erosion, provides habitat) –  10-30 ft tall
• Sycamore (can tolerate wet soils, provides habitat) 70-100 ft tall

Waterfowl, birds, insects, herons, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, turtles, frogs, fish

Each of these trees contributes to the ecosystem in its own way, providing food, shelter, and habitat for wildlife while also offering potential benefits to humans, such as edible fruits and nuts. Their presence helps promote biodiversity and creates a thriving and sustainable ecosystem that fosters a harmonious relationship between humans, wildlife, and nature.