Publication of the first comprehensive handbook on the seeds of trees and shrubs produced by the USDA Forest Service, the WoodyPlant Seed Manual USDA Misc. Publ. 654, was delayed by World War II until 1948 even though the manuscript was completed in 1941. This first manual included 420 taxa in 140 genera and was invaluable in the boom of tree planting that occurred in the 1950s and 60s. An updated and expanded manual, Seeds of Woody Plants in the United States USDA Agric. Handbk. 450 was published in 1974. This volume contained data for approximately 800 taxa in 188 genera. Its popularity led to multiple printings, and portions of it were translated into several other languages. The numerous advances in tree seed technology in the last quartercentury have now dictated the publication of a new revision, again named the Woody Plant Seed Manual. The revision process by a team of Forest Service scientists and cooperators from universities and other government agencies has now been underway for over 6 years. The book will contain almost 1,300 taxa in 230 genera, a considerable increase in the scope of the 1974 handbook. Because such a large undertaking requires so much time and effort by so many people, the finished product is still many months away from release. In order to make the new technology available as soon as possible, a decision was made to post completed portions of the book on this interim website. Here, genus chapters containing text and tables along with some of the photos and drawings are presented in preliminary html format. As editing of additional genus chapters is completed, they will appear here.

Address: 5675 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, GA 31020
Telephone: (478) 751-3551
Fax: (478) 751-4135
Website: http://www.nsl.fs.fed.us/wpsm/