PREBLE COUNTY — The time has finally come again to stock up on an amazing selection of tree seedlings. The 2023 tree sale has some familiar favorites as well as first-time offerings.
Preble SWCD is proud to support native biodiversity with this year’s selections, and in the years to come. Planting native species helps restore our vibrant, complex ecosystems. With these exciting species to choose from, you will see that enriching our environment can be aesthetically beautiful as well!
For those who enjoy year-round foliage, our evergreens are the perfect choice. Eastern Red Cedar-Juniper is a hardy pioneer with showy blue berries. Eastern White Pine is a towering classic with luscious needles, and White Spruce’s pyramidal structure and blue-green needles may attract those seeking a replacement for ailing Colorado Blue Spruces.
We have gathered quite the assortment of large deciduous trees, which are trees that will drop their leaves in the fall. Locals are likely familiar with the stunning foliage of Sugar Maple, a quintessential Southwestern Ohio species. White Oaks provide stately beauty, and perhaps even more importantly, extensive ecosystem services. Preble Countians may take special interest in Butternut, also known as White Walnut, which is the rare and elusive cousin of Black Walnut. And of course, who could forget the massive, showstopping Tulip Poplar which was showcased in our 2022 Big Tree Competition!
Our assortment of smaller deciduous trees also pack a punch! Downy Serviceberry may be the tastiest fruit tree that you’ve never heard of! Fans liken the flavor to a blueberry, and paired with early blooming flowers and bright fall foliage, this plant is a force to be reckoned with. Looking for a more familiar fruit? American Plum trees will be available as well! Buckeye fans and florists alike will be captivated with Red Buckeye, a smaller relative of our Ohio Buckeye that enchants with stunning clusters of large pink blossoms.
Be sure to save space for some of our small but mighty shrubs as well! Witch Hazel will welcome Spring with bursts of yellow flowers. New Jersey Tea is a pollinator delight that has also been popularly requested! The petite and eye-catching Red Currant will surely pique the interest of jam makers as well.
And finally, for our fans of herbaceous plants, we have quite the varied assortment to choose from. Who could resist the delicious Albion Strawberry or scrumptious Mary Washington Asparagus? How about edible plants catered to our pollinator friends? Rest assured that Butterfly Milkweed and Coral Bells will be sure to please important species like butterflies, bees, hummingbirds. Gardeners who love ornamental grasses but are seeking a native alternative, look no further than the vibrant Red Switch Grass!
The tree sale order form and detailed species descriptions are available for download online at prebleswcd.org. Mail or drop off completed order forms and accompanying cash or check at our office located at 2789 U.S. 35 E. in West Alexandria. Orders must be submitted by Friday, March 3, at 3:30 p.m., and will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, April 5, from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
