How to Know When Native Seedlings are Ready to be Harvested
Collecting native seeds is vital in environmental restoration. Native plants have better odds of surviving and help bring back healthy soil and land, while also boosting local biodiversity.
West Creek Conservancy runs a Native Seed Collection Program through Stearns Native Nursery. The first step to contributing to the Native Seed Collection Program is to determine if seeds are ready to harvest. Check out our quick guide below:
Ohio Buckeyes
Harvest around September and early October after the buckeyes have fallen to the ground. Ohio Buckeye Harvesting Guide
Pignut Hickory
Harvest around September and early October soon after the nuts fall to the ground and are brown. Pignut Hickory Harvesting Guide
Image Attribute: William (Ned) Friedman, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shagbark Hickory
Harvest around September and early October when the nuts are greenish-brown. Shagbark Hickory Harvesting Guide
Image Attribute: Ar rouz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Black Walnut
Walnuts are light green, bordering on tan, when ripe. Harvest around September and early October soon after the walnuts fall to the ground. Ripe ones can also be taken from the tree. Black Walnut Harvesting Guide
Image Attribute: Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bur Oak
To determine if an acorn is ripe, simply wiggle the cap. If the two separate easily, the acorn is ready!
Image Attribute: Cleveland Metroparks
Once you have determined that the seeds are ready to be harvested take a photo of the leaf and a small branch to confirm species identification, place the seeds in brown paper bags to prevent molding, and write the address and date of the harvest on the bag. Contact Kara Benninghofen to coordinate drop-off at our offices in Parma. She can be reached at (216) 749-3720 x11 or kara@westcreek.org.
Note: It is illegal to collect seeds in the Metroparks or National Parks. Please look for these species in your neighborhood parks, cemeteries, and backyards! Always get permission from the homeowner if the tree is not on your property.
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