County Offers Seedlings for Purchase at North Park's Latodami Nature Center

More than a dozen species of native trees, shrubs and a wildflower are available for pre-order through a partnership between North Park’s Latodami Nature Center and the North Area Environmental Council.

The annual seedling sale includes American Common Persimmon, American Elderberry, American Plum, Eastern Redcedar, Eastern White Pine, Northern Bayberry, Red Mulberry, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Sweet Crabapple, Winterberry Holly, Blueberry and Purple Coneflower.

Seedlings are bundled and sold at three for $5 or eight for $10, except blueberry, which is two for $12; and purple coneflower, which is five for $5.

The pre-order deadline is March 16. Contact Park Naturalist Meg Scanlon at 724-935-2170 or click here for order forms and additional information about the plants offered, including quantity discounts, by March 21.

Seedlings will be available for pick-up from 9 a.m. to noon April 14, at the Latodami Nature Center, 575 Brown Road in Pine Township.

The North Area Environmental Council is a non-profit, citizen’s conservation group in northern Allegheny County. Created in 1969, NAEC is involved in research, education and special projects regarding local environmental issues.

What new plants are you trying this year? With the mild winter, are you planning to plant earlier than usual? Tell us in the comments.

About the seedlings being offered: 

American Common Persimmon  (Diospyros  virginiana) — Translated from Latin, Diospyros, means “fruit of the gods.” Long-lived, native, deciduous  tree, to 40-feet high, not fussy where it grows. Important to native pollinators, the fragrant flowers bloom late May- June. The fleshy, ping-pong sized fruit, ripening in fall, is a highly valued food and eaten by most wildlife species and excellent eating for people. Dried leaves can be brewed for full-bodied tea rich in vitamin C.

American Elderberry (Sambucus  canadensis) — Native deciduous shrub for moist  soils, sun or partial shade, up to 10-feet high. Flowering in June and July, purple-black berries ripen in fall. Fabulous for wildlife, and outstanding for jelly or baking.

American Plum (Prunus  americana) — A  small, native, deciduous, ornamental tree, to 20-feet high. Profuse white springtime blossoms develop into small reddish plums in late summer, which are eaten by many wild animals and make excellent preserves and jellies.

Eastern Redcedar  (Juniperus  virginiana) — A  slow-growing, long-lived, native, evergreen tree, to 40-feet high. Natural conical shape requires no pruning. Inconspicuous spring flowers develop into small purplish-blue berrylike fruits in fall. Adaptable to a variety of wet or dry conditions with high salt tolerance. Provides outstanding nesting and important winter shelter for wildlife. Cedar waxwings and other birds eat the fruits.

Eastern White Pine  (Pinus  strobus) — Large, native, evergreen tree, to 150-feet high. After established, they have rapid growth. Not tolerant of salt but will grow in most soil or exposure. A beautiful landscape tree, second to oak, it is one of the most valuable plants for food and shelter for wildlife.

Northern Bayberry (Myrica  pensylvanica) — Lovely, native, deciduous shrub, up to 10-feet, in sun or partial shade. Thrives in poor soils and will actually improve soils by “fixing” nitrogen. Aromatic leaves can be used for seasoning and the berries for candle-making. Flowers in April/May, with fruits maturing late summer, which are highly attractive to song birds, particularly warblers.

Red Mulberry (Morus  rubra) — Attractive, native, deciduous ornamental tree, to 40-feet high. Large, dark purple blackberry-like fruits ripen in early summer and are one of the most popular foods for songbirds and small mammals. Makes mouthwatering pies and preserves.

Red Oak (Quercus rubra) — Nicely shaped, large, long-lived, native, deciduous tree, to 80-feet high. Relatively fast-growing oak, widely planted as shade or street tree, especially as it is salt tolerant. The acorns are important food for many mammals and birds. Leaves are deep red in spring turning dark green for summer then to a very dark rich maroon red in fall for a fabulous show.

Sugar Maple (Acer  saccharum) — Excellent, long-lived, native, deciduous ornamental tree, to 60-feet high. Grows well in sun or shade and in all but very wet soils. Winged seeds are food for birds and small mammals. Second only to red maple in fall color, sugar produces beautiful shades of peach and salmon. Not salt tolerant. Make your own maple syrup.

Sweet Crabapple (Malus  coronaria) — Lovely, small, native, deciduous tree, to 25-feet high. Should be in full sun. Beautiful pink buds open to pale pink or white fragrant clusters in late spring that are important to native pollinators. Yellowish-green apples ripen in fall and are used by a variety of wildlife and can also be used to make jelly or chutney. Slight salt tolerance.

Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) — Acid-loving, native, deciduous, ornamental shrub holly, to 10-feet high. Full sun to partial shade, prefers wet but will grow in dry soils. Creamy white summer flowers produce extremely attractive red berries in early fall that might persist into winter to be used by wildlife. Cut berried branches make beautiful indoor arrangements for the holidays.

Blueberry (Vaccinium species) – Acid-loving, deciduous shrub, to 4-feet high. Grows best in moist, well-drained, high organic soils but will also grow in drier sites. Prefers full sun but will grow in shade. Ornamental white flowers bloom in May producing highly prized indigo-colored berries mid-summer. Eat fresh, use in baking or freeze for later use.

Purple Coneflower — (Echinacea purpurea) – Attractive native perennial wildflower, up to 3-feet tall, with long-lasting lavender flowers blooming from summer through fall. Grows in most all soils and is drought tolerant. Plant in full sun or partial shade. A favourite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Great for indoor flower arrangements.