i will let you know.. if i run across any sources ...

ken

I must confess that your request seems very strange to me. Holland has one of the most active and successful tree and shrub nursery communities in the world. Have you no Arboretum whose curator you could contact? Dr. Van Hooey Smith in Rotterdam would likely welcome hearing from you. If he doesn't grow the lindera at Trompenberg, he surely can direct you to someone who has it.

The nursery trade in the US is also very helpful. If you found the plant in the catalogue of Gossler or Forest Farm, i'm sure they'd help. Same with Broken Arrow Nursery in CT. Plantsmen love plantsmen! Those 3 are the best known of the unusual shrubs nurseries in the U.S. Lindera is lovely but it certainly does require alot of space!

Here is a link that might be useful: lindera info.

Thanks for your answers.

The Netherlands has a lot of tree and shrub nurseries but most of them only have "the tried and tested assortment". Many probably never heard of Lindera obtusiloba. Even Lindera benzoin is not very often offered (probably because Cornus mas is the preferred choice of landscapers). The famous Esveld Nursery in Boskoop has not often plants of Lindera obtusiloba available for sale (and I'm looking for seeds, not plants).

I have visited many arboreta in the Netherlands but I've seen Lindera obtusiloba only once (in the Oirsprong arboretum which does not exist anymore). If my memory serves me well there is no Lindera obtusiloba to be found in Trompenburg Arboretum. It's good for oaks though! In Belgium there are some Lindera obtusiloba in the Herkenrode Estate owned by P. de Spoelberch but I doubt that he will sell/give seed to someone he doesn't know.

I have thought about inquiring specialist American nurseries about Lindera obtusiloba seed but I fear that even if they have Lindera obtusiloba seed available they are reluctant to sell it to somebody who lives in Europe because its just to much trouble (phytosanitary certificate etc.).

I was hoping someone knew a source in Japan, Korea or China for fresh Lindera obtusiloba seed as this shrub is much more common there.

It took me 10+ years to find a FRESH SEED source of this species so now there are 10+ plants growing around my property and all have experienced -10F temps on numerous occasions . I would suggest posting a query on Facebook ' European gardening group ' which boasts over 11000 members . Mine may not produce for a few years yet ( if ever ) but if they do I will drop you a line . BTW: Do you have any other species of lindera ?? So far I have L, benzoin ; L. angustifolia ; and L. obtusiloba Happy Growing 2015 !!!

Denn it is interesting to know that the Asian species is that hardy.
I once ordered seed of this from Chiltern in the UK, but could not get them to germinate. But if they once had it, they could have it again. Maybe try contacting them again, at least 10 years ago they were very friendly on email.

and btw I don't mean Chiltern's seeds were not viable
I probably didn't stratify them correctly, just threw them out on some flats.

Both of my Asian species can experience -10F but they will possibly be damaged during extended sub zero cold spells . With all lindera seeds their short term viability becomes a problem so if they are not collected very fresh ; cleaned ASAP ; then cold moist stratified , there is a high probability the embryos will die and the seed becomes non viable .
I have been disappointed with viability on 3 or 4 occasions when ordering seeds from retailers . It is difficult for the supplier to maintain proper conditions to allow optimum seed viability , so I always search for a personal source . Hopefully someday I AM that personal source ( I already am for two species ) Good Luck !!

I've written elsewhere about ephemeral seeds (see link). Some seeds cannot be stored for very long and can best be sown fresh from the plant. Daphne is just one such example. I've never had ANY success with Daphne tangutica from commercial sources until I was given seed that was absolutely fresh. Seed that was sown outside gave an impressive germination rate.

In my opinion seed that is ephemeral should only be sold when it is relative fresh and stored the proper way (usually cold and moist).

Here is a link that might be useful: Ephemeral Seeds

I just ordered some seeds from a site called Treehelp.com. I should receive them this week, and I'll let you know how they do, if they should sprout.