About This Collection

Nature’s Finest Trees —
Starting From a Single Seed

Deciduous trees are the backbone of parks, gardens, and wild landscapes across the world. Every autumn they blaze with colour; every spring they return to life.

At Oreshka Seeds we’ve gathered one of the most complete online collections of deciduous tree and shrub seeds — from cold-hardy Siberian species thriving below −40 °C, to rare ornamental exotics from subtropical climates. Whether you’re a professional forester, a landscape architect, or a passionate home gardener, you’ll find exactly what you need.

Silver Birch Norway Maple Ginkgo biloba Catalpa Paulownia Judas Tree Hornbeam Wisteria Staghorn Sumac Magnolia Honey Locust English Oak Red Oak Linden Silk Tree Ash Alder Smoke Bush Euonymus Jacaranda Black Locust

All seeds are fresh-harvested, carefully sorted, and packed for maximum germination rate — shipped from Russia to every corner of the globe.

Oreshka Seeds — Since 2015

100+ Deciduous Species

One of the widest online selections: oaks, maples, birches, paulownias, catalpas, lindens, exotic ornamentals, and rare shrubs — all in one place.

High Germination Guaranteed

Seeds are harvested at peak ripeness and stored under controlled conditions. Each batch is tested before dispatch.

Cold-Hardy to Exotic

From USDA Zone 2 Siberian species (Betula, Caragana, Acer ginnala) to Zone 10 subtropical trees (Jacaranda, Tabebuia, Moringa).

Worldwide Shipping

We ship to 100+ countries. Seeds are packed in sealed, labelled envelopes with growing instructions. WhatsApp & Telegram support available.

Species in Our Store

What We Grow & What You Can Grow

Click a group below to explore species, growing notes, and hardiness zones.

Quercus

English Oak

Quercus robur — the iconic Eurasian oak growing to 40 m. Long-lived, wildlife-friendly. Also available in the elegant pyramidal form Fastigiata. Plant fresh acorns in autumn or cold-stratify for spring sowing.

USDA Zone 4–8 Height: up to 40 m Stratification required

Quercus

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra — fast-growing North American oak with spectacular scarlet autumn foliage. One of the most planted oaks in Europe for timber and ornament. Cold stratify 1–2 months before spring sowing.

USDA Zone 3–8 Fast growing Autumn colour

Quercus

Mongolian Oak

Quercus mongolica — extremely cold-hardy Far Eastern oak used in reforestation across Siberia. Large distinctive leaves with shallow lobes. Sow fresh acorns in autumn directly outdoors.

USDA Zone 3–6 Frost hardy Siberian origin

Acer

Norway Maple

Acer platanoides — a classic European shade tree with broad crown and bright yellow autumn foliage. Seeds require cold stratification (2–3 months at 3–5 °C). Widely used in urban landscapes.

USDA Zone 3–7 Shade tree Urban tolerant

Acer

Amur Maple

Acer ginnala — compact multi-stemmed maple from the Russian Far East. Brilliant red autumn colour. Excellent for hedging, screens, and small gardens. One of the most frost-tolerant maples available.

USDA Zone 2–8 Red autumn colour Compact habit

Acer

Field Maple

Acer campestre — the only maple native to Britain. Tolerates clay soils, pollution, and salt spray. Excellent for hedgerows and wildlife gardens. Golden-yellow autumn colour. Stratify 2–3 months before sowing.

USDA Zone 4–8 Hedge & screen Wildlife-friendly

Betula

Silver Birch

Betula pendula — the iconic white-barked birch of northern Europe. Tiny seeds must be surface-sown on moist substrate — do not cover. Needs light to germinate. Available from 100 to 10,000 seeds per pack.

USDA Zone 2–7 Surface sow Bulk packs available

Betula

Paper Birch

Betula papyrifera — the canoe birch of North America, with strikingly white peeling bark. Extremely cold-hardy pioneer species. Surface-sow in early spring under glass. Available in packs of 100+ and 500+.

USDA Zone 2–6 White peeling bark Pioneer species

Paulownia

Princess Tree — Tomentosa

Paulownia tomentosa — the classic Princess Tree, grows 1–3 m per year. Spectacular violet-blue flowers in spring before leaves emerge. Surface-sow fine seeds at 22–28 °C. Germination in 10–20 days.

USDA Zone 5–9 3m/year growth Violet flowers

Paulownia

Shan Tong Hybrid (9501)

Hybrid Paulownia fortunei × tomentosa — the most frost-tolerant paulownia, bred for northern climates. Tolerates −28 °C. Rapid biomass production, popular for timber and bioenergy plantations.

USDA Zone 4–9 Frost to −28 °C Timber cultivar

Quercus

Holm Oak

Quercus ilex — the evergreen oak of Mediterranean coastlines, with glossy dark leaves. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and long-lived. Plant fresh acorns 2–3 cm deep; no stratification required.

USDA Zone 7–10 Evergreen Drought tolerant

Quercus

Chestnut-leaved Oak

Quercus castaneifolia — a rare ornamental oak from the Caucasus and Iran with distinctive chestnut-like leaves. Fast-growing for an oak; adapts well to temperate gardens. Cold-stratify 1–2 months.

USDA Zone 5–8 Height: 25 m Rare Caucasian species

Quercus

Downy Oak

Quercus pubescens — the downy or pubescent oak of southern Europe. Extremely drought and heat tolerant. Leaves covered in soft white hair when young. Sow fresh acorns in autumn or cold-stratify for spring.

USDA Zone 5–9 Drought hardy Southern European native

Acer

Box Elder

Acer negundo — the fastest-growing maple, with compound leaves unusual for the genus. Extremely cold-hardy and adaptable to poor soils. Germinates readily after 1–2 months cold stratification.

USDA Zone 2–9 Fastest maple Cold-hardy pioneer

Acer

Tatarian Maple

Acer tataricum — a compact, multi-stemmed maple native to eastern Europe and western Asia. Brilliant red fruit clusters in summer; crimson autumn colour. Ideal for small gardens. Cold-stratify 2–3 months.

USDA Zone 3–8 Red fruit summer Small garden tree

Acer

Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus — a large majestic maple widespread across Europe, tolerating coastal winds and poor soils. One of the best timber maples. Cold-stratify 2–3 months before sowing at 18–22 °C.

USDA Zone 4–7 Wind tolerant Timber & parkland

Acer

Painted Maple

Acer mono (syn. Acer pictum) — a graceful Japanese and East Asian maple with smooth grey bark and vivid yellow autumn colour. Source of edible maple sap in Japan. Cold-stratify 2–3 months.

USDA Zone 4–8 Yellow autumn Japanese & Korean native

Acer

Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum — one of the fastest-growing North American maples, with deeply cut silvery-green leaves shimmering in the breeze. Excellent for large landscapes and stream banks. Cold-stratify 1–2 months.

USDA Zone 3–9 Fast growing Silvery foliage

Betula

Himalayan Birch

Betula jacquemontii — the most strikingly white-barked birch in the world, native to the western Himalayas. Brilliant white stems glow year-round. Surface-sow fine seeds on moist substrate; needs light to germinate.

USDA Zone 4–7 Whitest bark Himalayan native

Betula

Dwarf Birch

Betula nana — a miniature arctic shrub birch reaching only 0.5–1 m, perfect for rock gardens, alpine plantings, and container cultivation. Extremely cold-hardy. Surface-sow fine seeds without covering.

USDA Zone 1–5 Height: 0.5–1 m Arctic alpine

Paulownia

Fortune Paulownia

Paulownia fortunei — the large-flowered paulownia from southern China with spectacular white-throated lavender blooms. Slightly less cold-hardy than tomentosa but produces larger flowers. Surface-sow at 22–28 °C.

USDA Zone 6–9 Large flowers Southern China origin

Paulownia

Elongata Paulownia

Paulownia elongata — a highly productive timber paulownia with narrower leaves and a straighter trunk than tomentosa, favoured for biomass and commercial timber plantations. Surface-sow at 22–28 °C.

USDA Zone 6–9 Timber variety Commercial plantations

Ginkgoaceae

Ginkgo biloba

A living fossil unchanged for 200 million years. Fan-shaped leaves turn brilliant gold in autumn. Medicinally important. Sow fresh seeds 2–3 cm deep after cold stratification. Slow initially but extremely long-lived.

USDA Zone 3–9 Living fossil Medicinal

Cercidaceae

Judas Tree

Cercis siliquastrum — astonishing pink flowers burst directly from bare branches in spring before any leaves appear. Scarify seeds in hot water (80 °C) then cold-stratify 1–2 months.

USDA Zone 6–9 Spring flowering Mediterranean

Fabaceae

Wisteria sinensis

Wisteria sinensis — spectacular purple-flowering Chinese climber reaching 20+ m. Soak seeds 24 hours in warm water, then sow at 20–25 °C. Note: seed-grown plants may take 7–10 years to flower.

USDA Zone 5–9 Climber / vine Fragrant flowers

Bignoniaceae

Catalpa bignonioides

Southern Catalpa — large tropical-looking leaves and white orchid-like flowers. Germinates easily without stratification at 20–25 °C in 10–20 days. Also available: the hardier Catalpa speciosa.

USDA Zone 5–9 No stratification Fast growing

Anacardiaceae

Staghorn Sumac

Rhus typhina and the cut-leaf variety Dissecta — unmatched for fiery autumn colour: crimson, orange, and gold. Scarify seeds then cold-stratify 3 months. Available in bulk packs.

USDA Zone 3–8 Autumn colour Wildlife habitat

Caprifoliaceae

European Fly Honeysuckle

Lonicera xylosteum — dense deciduous shrub bearing red berries beloved by birds. Excellent for wildlife hedgerows and native planting schemes. Cold-stratify 2–3 months. Easy to grow in most soils.

USDA Zone 4–7 Wildlife shrub Red berries

Fabaceae

Siberian Pea Tree

Caragana arborescens — nitrogen-fixing, drought-tolerant shrub from Siberia. Bright yellow flowers attract bees. Superb windbreak in harsh northern climates. Soak seeds 24 h in warm water before sowing.

USDA Zone 2–8 Nitrogen-fixing Drought tolerant

Cotinus

Smoke Bush

Cotinus coggygria — the smoke bush, named for its billowing plumes of smoky pink-grey inflorescences in summer. Spectacular purple-leaved cultivars available. Scarify seeds lightly; cold-stratify 3 months.

USDA Zone 4–8 Smoke-like flowers Purple foliage forms

Euonymus

Winged Euonymus

Euonymus alatus — the burning bush, delivering the most intense scarlet-crimson autumn colour of any deciduous shrub. Distinctive corky winged stems. Cold-stratify 2–3 months after warm stratification (1 month).

USDA Zone 4–8 Scarlet autumn Corky winged stems

Euonymus

European Spindle

Euonymus europaeus — a native European shrub bearing extraordinary pink-and-orange seed capsules in autumn, attracting birds. Excellent wildlife plant. Cold-stratify 3 months. Available in bulk packs.

USDA Zone 3–7 Wildlife plant Pink orange capsules

Cornus

White Dogwood

Cornus alba Elegantissima — grown for its brilliant red stems which glow against snow in winter. Variegated silver-edged leaves provide summer interest. Cold-stratify 3–4 months. Excellent for wet soils.

USDA Zone 2–7 Red winter stems Wet soil tolerant

Spiraea

Birchleaf Spirea

Spiraea hypericifolia — one of the earliest shrubs to flower in spring, smothering its arching branches in pure white blossom before the leaves fully open. Exceptionally cold-hardy. Sow without stratification at 18–22 °C.

USDA Zone 3–8 Early spring flower Arching white blossom

Cotoneaster

Shiny Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster lucidus — a tough deciduous hedging shrub with glossy leaves turning brilliant red-orange in autumn, followed by persistent black berries. Cold-stratify 3 months after scarification. Excellent for formal hedges.

USDA Zone 3–7 Hedge & screen Black winter berries

Physocarpus

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius — a tough North American shrub with attractive peeling bark and white flower clusters in early summer. Extremely adaptable to poor soils and shade. Cold-stratify 1–2 months. Available in bulk.

USDA Zone 2–7 Peeling bark Shade tolerant

Symphoricarpos

Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus — famed for its conspicuous snow-white berries persisting through winter long after the leaves fall. Shade and pollution tolerant; excellent for underplanting. Cold-stratify 3 months after scarification.

USDA Zone 3–7 White winter berries Deep shade tolerant

Spartium

Spanish Broom

Spartium junceum — a Mediterranean shrub with rush-like green stems covered in golden-yellow pea flowers from late spring to autumn. Intensely fragrant. Scarify seeds in hot water before sowing at 20–25 °C.

USDA Zone 7–10 Long flowering Intensely fragrant

Robinia

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia — the false acacia, a fast-growing nitrogen-fixing tree smothered in hanging clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring. One of the best honey plants. Scarify seeds before sowing at 20–25 °C.

USDA Zone 3–8 Honey plant Fragrant white flowers

Laburnum

Golden Chain Tree

Laburnum anagyroides — one of Europe's most spectacular flowering trees, producing cascading racemes of bright yellow flowers in late spring. Ideal for pergolas and arches. Scarify seeds; germinate at 18–22 °C.

USDA Zone 5–7 Cascading yellow flowers Pergola & arch

Koelreuteria

Golden Rain Tree

Koelreuteria paniculata — a small ornamental tree producing large panicles of golden-yellow flowers in midsummer when few trees are in bloom. Distinctive papery lantern-like seed pods follow. Scarify; cold-stratify 2 months.

USDA Zone 5–9 Midsummer flowers Lantern seed pods

Jacaranda

Jacaranda

Jacaranda mimosifolia — one of the world's most beautiful flowering trees, producing clouds of violet-blue flowers. Widely planted in tropical and subtropical gardens. Sow without stratification at 25–30 °C. Germination in 14–21 days.

USDA Zone 9–11 Violet-blue flowers Tropical ornamental

Magnolia

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora — the iconic evergreen magnolia of the American South with enormous glossy leaves and huge fragrant white flowers up to 30 cm across. Cold-stratify 3 months after removing fleshy seed coat.

USDA Zone 6–10 30cm flowers Fragrant evergreen

Platanus

Oriental Plane

Platanus orientalis — one of the largest and most majestic deciduous trees, with distinctive mottled bark peeling in plates of cream, olive, and grey. A symbol of Mediterranean shade. Cold-stratify 1–2 months before sowing.

USDA Zone 5–9 Mottled bark Mediterranean shade tree

Moringa

Moringa

Moringa oleifera — the drumstick tree, one of the world's most nutritious plants. Every part is edible and medicinally valuable. Fast-growing in tropical conditions. Sow directly at 25–30 °C without stratification.

USDA Zone 9–11 Superfood tree Fast tropical growth

Celtis

Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis — an underused but tough North American tree resembling elm, tolerating drought, flooding, wind, and urban pollution. Small sweet berries attract birds. Cold-stratify 2–3 months before spring sowing.

USDA Zone 2–9 Pollution tolerant Wildlife berries

Tilia

Small-leaved Linden

Tilia cordata — the classic European lime tree with intensely fragrant flowers beloved by bees. A quintessential parkland and avenue tree. Seeds require warm stratification (3 months) followed by cold stratification (3 months).

USDA Zone 3–8 Bee magnet Fragrant flowers

Tilia

Large-leaved Linden

Tilia platyphyllos — a large, majestic lime native to central Europe with broader leaves than T. cordata. Flowers 2–3 weeks earlier. Widely used for avenues and parks. Deep double dormancy: warm then cold stratification.

USDA Zone 4–7 Avenue tree Early flowering

Tilia

Common Linden

Tilia europaea Pallida — the natural hybrid of T. cordata and T. platyphyllos, and the most commonly planted lime in Europe. Extremely long-lived; specimens over 1,000 years old are recorded. Warm then cold stratification required.

USDA Zone 3–8 1000+ year lifespan Hybrid lime

Fraxinus

European Ash

Fraxinus excelsior — one of Europe's tallest native deciduous trees, reaching 40 m. Compound leaves emerge late in spring. Important timber tree. Cold-stratify 3–4 months at 3–5 °C before sowing.

USDA Zone 4–7 Height: 40 m European native timber

Fraxinus

Narrow-leaved Ash

Fraxinus angustifolia — a graceful, fine-textured ash native to southern Europe and North Africa. More drought-tolerant than F. excelsior. Excellent for dry, warm climates. Cold-stratify 2–3 months.

USDA Zone 5–9 Drought tolerant Southern European native

Fraxinus

Green Ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica — the most widespread ash in North America, valued for its adaptability to wet soils, urban pollution, and harsh winters. Fast-growing. Cold-stratify 2–3 months before spring sowing.

USDA Zone 3–9 Urban tolerant Wet soil adaptable

Alnus

Black Alder

Alnus glutinosa — a nitrogen-fixing pioneer tree native across Europe. Essential for riparian planting, stream banks, and wetland restoration. Extremely fast-growing in moist soils. Surface-sow or cold-stratify 1 month.

USDA Zone 3–7 Riparian specialist Nitrogen-fixing

Alnus

Grey Alder

Alnus incana — the grey alder thrives in cold, wet, and disturbed soils from the Arctic to the Alps. Faster coloniser than black alder and tolerates drier conditions. Essential for erosion control. Cold-stratify 1 month.

USDA Zone 2–7 Arctic hardy Erosion control

Carpinus

European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus — the classic hornbeam of European forests, famed for its pleached hedges and topiary. Produces some of the hardest, densest wood of any European tree. Cold-stratify 3–4 months before spring sowing.

USDA Zone 4–8 Hedging & topiary Hardest European wood

Growing Guide

How to Grow Deciduous Trees
From Seed

Most deciduous tree seeds need careful pre-treatment before they will germinate. Follow these four stages for consistent results — from stratification through to planting out.

Pre-Treatment

Stratification & Scarification

Most deciduous tree seeds have a built-in dormancy preventing germination until winter has passed. Cold stratification: wrap seeds in moist paper or perlite, place in a zip-lock bag, and keep in your refrigerator at 3–5 °C for 1–4 months depending on species. Scarification: hard-coated seeds (Gleditsia, Robinia, Cercis) need their seed coat abraded with sandpaper or soaked in hot water (70–80 °C) for 12–24 hours before stratification.

Cold 3–5 °C · 1–4 months Scarify hard coats first Warm strat for Tilia

Sowing

Sowing the Seeds

Use a light, well-draining seed compost. Cover seeds to a depth equal to their own diameter — very fine seeds (Betula, Paulownia, Tilia) should be surface-sown without covering: they need light for germination, so press gently onto moist surface only. Large seeds (acorns, chestnuts) should be sown 2–3 cm deep. Water gently to avoid disturbing seeds; keep the medium evenly moist throughout germination.

Surface sow: Birch · Paulownia 2–3 cm deep: Oaks · Lindens

Germination

Temperature & Humidity Control

Most temperate deciduous seeds germinate best at 18–22 °C. Tropical species (Paulownia, Jacaranda, Tabebuia) need 25–30 °C. Cover trays with clear plastic film or a propagator lid to maintain humidity. Remove cover once seedlings are 1–2 cm tall to prevent damping-off. Germination times vary: Birch 2–3 weeks; Oaks 3–8 weeks; Linden 6–12 months.

18–22 °C · Temperate species 25–30 °C · Tropical species

Aftercare

Growing On & Planting Out

Prick out seedlings into individual pots when they have 2 true leaves. Grow on under glass or in a sheltered outdoor position, hardening off gradually over 2–3 weeks before planting in open ground. Most deciduous trees establish best when planted out in autumn (before first frost) or in early spring before bud burst. Water regularly in the first season.

Harden off · 2–3 weeks Plant out · Autumn or Early Spring

Species Quick Reference

Pre-treatment method, germination temperature, and time at a glance.

Common Name Latin Name Pre-Treatment Temp Days to Germinate USDA Zone
English Oak Quercus robur Cold 1–2 mo 15–20 °C21–424–8
Silver Birch Betula pendula Surface sow 15–20 °C14–212–7
Norway Maple Acer platanoides Cold 2–3 mo 18–22 °C21–353–7
Amur Maple Acer ginnala Cold 2–3 mo 18–22 °C21–352–8
Paulownia tomentosaPaulownia tomentosaSurface sow 22–28 °C10–205–9
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba Cold 2–3 mo 20–25 °C30–603–9
Catalpa Catalpa bignonioides None required 20–25 °C10–205–9
Judas Tree Cercis siliquastrum Scarify + Cold 2 mo20–25 °C14–306–9
Small-leaved LindenTilia cordata Warm 3mo + Cold 3mo 20–22 °C60–1803–8
Wisteria sinensisWisteria sinensis Soak 24h warm water 20–25 °C14–285–9
Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos Scarify + Cold 1 mo20–25 °C14–213–9
Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina Scarify + Cold 3 mo18–22 °C21–423–8

Ready to Start Growing?

Browse our full collection of 100+ deciduous tree and shrub seeds. All orders include printed growing instructions and worldwide shipping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know
Before You Sow

Most temperate deciduous tree seeds require cold stratification — a period of moist chilling at 3–5 °C for 1–4 months — to break their natural dormancy before they will germinate. This mimics winter conditions. Exceptions include Catalpa, Paulownia, and Robinia, which germinate without stratification. Hard-coated seeds such as Gleditsia (Honey Locust) and Cercis (Judas Tree) additionally need scarification — nicking or soaking the seed coat in hot water — before stratification.

Germination time varies greatly by species. Fast germinators include Paulownia (10–20 days), Catalpa (10–20 days), and Birch (14–21 days). Medium speed: Oak and Maple (3–8 weeks). Slow germinators include Ginkgo biloba (30–60 days) and Tilia (Linden), which can take 6–12 months due to deep double dormancy. Always maintain consistent moisture and the correct temperature during the entire germination period.

Paulownia is the fastest-growing deciduous tree in our collection — and one of the fastest-growing trees in the world. Under good conditions it can reach 3–5 metres in the first season. We offer four varieties: Paulownia tomentosa (classic Princess Tree), Paulownia fortunei, Paulownia elongata (timber variety), and the cold-hardy hybrid Shan Tong (9501), which tolerates frost down to −28 °C and is the preferred choice for northern climates.

For extreme cold (USDA Zone 2–3, down to −40 °C), we recommend Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch), Acer ginnala (Amur Maple), Caragana arborescens (Siberian Pea Tree), Quercus mongolica (Mongolian Oak), and Alnus incana (Gray Alder). All are native to Siberia or northern Russia and are proven performers in the harshest continental climates. For Zone 4, additional options include Norway Maple, English Oak, Ginkgo biloba, and Field Maple.

Yes — we ship worldwide from Russia to over 100 countries. Seeds are packed in sealed, labelled envelopes with species name, quantity, and basic growing instructions. Shipping times vary by destination: typically 2–4 weeks for Europe, 3–6 weeks for the Americas, Asia, and Australia. For questions about your order, tracking, or customs requirements, contact us via WhatsApp or Telegram (links below).

If you are not planting immediately, store seeds in a cool, dry, dark place in their original sealed envelopes. Most deciduous tree seeds remain viable for 1–3 years when stored at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator (not freezer) at 3–5 °C in a sealed container with a small silica gel sachet to absorb moisture. Do not store seeds in humid conditions as this can trigger premature germination or mould. Acorns (Quercus) are exceptions — they must be planted fresh within a few weeks of harvest as they cannot be dried for long-term storage.