CULLMAN, Ala. – Local green thumbs looking to add native plants to their landscapes will have the opportunity to do so during the upcoming Native Tree Sale hosted by the Cullman County Natural Resources Planning Committee on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the North Alabama Agriplex.
The sale will run from 9 a.m.-noon, or until inventory is sold out, and will feature a variety of trees and shrubs native to north Alabama that are well suited to the region’s growing conditions. A total of 14 native species are expected to be available, though selections may vary depending on nursery availability.
Tree species planned for the sale include northern catalpa, black gum, black walnut, eastern redbud, white flowering dogwood, American persimmon, sassafras and yellow buckeye. Shrubs and small tree varieties will include American elderberry, arrowwood viburnum, pawpaw, spice bush, sweet shrub and common witch hazel. All plants will be sold as bare-root seedlings, approximately 12 inches tall, at a cost of $3 each.
Dr. Kira Sims, director of the Cullman County Extension Office, gave her thoughts on why this is a perfect time to get hold of these native trees.
“Purchasing and planting native species supports native wildlife and pollinator activity,” Sims said. “Some of the plants available can also be difficult to find at local nurseries. Purchasing these plants as small, bare-root seedlings and planting them in the winter months eases transplant shock and increases the opportunity of the plants to thrive.”
All plants will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and customers are encouraged to arrive early to improve their chances of purchasing preferred species. Sims shared that all proceeds from the sale will support natural resources youth education programs in Cullman County.
For additional information about the Native Tree Sale, contact Dr. Kira Sims at 256-737-9386. Additionally, in the weeks leading up to the event, the planning committee plans to highlight individual plant species to help residents learn more about what will be available. Follow the Cullman County Natural Resources Planning Committee on Facebook for those details.
The North Alabama Agriplex is located at 1714 Tallyho St. SW, Cullman.
