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The Life Cycle of a Pinecone

Between September and December, pinecones often cover the ground beneath conifer trees. Their main job is to shield the tree’s seeds as they grow and to help spread them once they are ready.

Pinecones take years to fully develop, and their size shows how long they’ve been growing, with some staying on the tree for more than a decade. Female cones are large and covered with tough scales, while male cones are smaller, yellow, and soft, appearing in clusters at the tips of branches during spring.

When female cones are young, their scales stay closed until it’s time for pollination. Male cones release pollen that drifts through the air and lands on the female cones. After pollination, the female cones close again to protect the seeds inside as they mature. This process can take several years. Once the seeds are ready, the scales open up, letting the seeds fall to the ground. Eventually, the empty cone drops as well, and the cycle begins again.

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