Tree seed viability over time

11 years ago

What can anyone tell me about the viability of these species’ seeds, with PROPER storage? Sheffield’s has some seed I may buy for spring 2016, and some are a bit older than I prefer. I will say they do a pretty good job storing seed (to a point where even one-season old Bur Oak sprouted at about 50% for me), but still…before I blow my wad:

Acer triflorum – I got one whole ounce from them from 2010. I figure by going brute-force I should get at least a few, but they’re hard to sprout to begin with.

Liriodendron tulipifera – they have some 2014 seed, and will almost definitely have some 2015 in Fall, but I know they tend to have low germ % anyway, so I might get seed from a couple different lots to see what I get.

Taxodium distichum (northern source) – I’ve heard mixed reviews. They have some seed from MO and IL from ’09 and ’10, and Sheffield’s says they should be OK, but I’ve read Baldcypress doesn’t store well – however, one man’s definition of “stores well” is different than another.

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Comments (5)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
but I know they tend to have low germ % anyway

==>>>> i am surprised by that.. i have a few seedlings in my weed patch ...

ken
scotjute Z8
11 years ago
I have had 5 yo Bald Cypress seeds sprout. Don't remember exact percentage but it was about 30%.
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gardenprincethenetherlandsZ7/8
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
My GUESS is that if Acer triflorum seed is stored cold (around 41 F / 5 C) and dry it still is viable after 5 years. Acer triflorum has a very thick seedcoat which protects the actual seed.

Liriodendron: it belongs to the genus Magnoliaceae. Seeds from the species Magnolia (like sieboldii, virginiana, tripetala etc.) do not store very well and are best sown not too long after harvest. When it is stored it should be cold AND moist (in moist vermiculite or spaghnum moss or something like it) I don't know if this is also the case for Liriodendron tulipifera. Maybe I should search the internet to see I can find any reliable information on this.

Another thing to take into account is provenance. Seed from stand-alone trees hardly ever gives viable seed. Ideally seed should be from a stand with dozens of Liriodendron trees.
hairmetal4ever
Original Author
11 years ago
Liriodendron tulipifera is one of the most abundant trees locally in our woods. However, collecting seed myself would be difficult-the fruits are very high in the canopy, and when they fall naturally, the small seeds scatter everywhere.
bengz6westmd
11 years ago
A Coulter pine cone collected from CA sat on my fireplace shelf for 10 yrs. I was examining it & surprise -- it had 2 seeds. Just out of curiosity, I planted them & both sprouted! One lived for a couple yrs here before deer destroyed it.