Baby Pine Cones

The main function of a pine cone is to keep a pine tree's seeds safe. Pine cones close their scales to protect the seeds from cold temperatures, wind and even animals that might try to eat them. Pine cones open up and release their seeds when it is warm and it is easier for the seed to germinate.

Depending on where you live, this time of year the ground might be covered in snow, ice and, most importantly, pinecones! We see pinecones everywhere during the winter—in wreaths, on trees and in our yards. But did you know that pinecones have a vital job? They keep pine tree seeds safe, and protect them from the freezing temperatures during the winter! To protect their seeds, pinecones can close their “scales” tightly, keeping out cold temperatures, winds, ice and even animals that might eat their precious cargo.

Did you know that pinecones can stay on pine trees for more than 10 years before falling to the ground? During that time seeds for new pine trees grow under the scales of the pinecones. The scales protect the seeds from bad weather—and hungry animals. Eventually, however, the seeds need to be released so that they can grow into new trees. To make sure they have the best chance of finding fertile soil and growing into trees, the pinecone scales stay tightly closed when the weather is inhospitable to new seed growth—that is, when it’s very cold and damp outside. In contrast, when the weather is hot and dry, the seeds will have an easier time finding good soil for growing into trees. In these conditions the pinecone scales will open, allowing seeds to escape and drift away to find new ground to grow into new trees!

Here are the most common and valuable pines that are native to the United States and Canada. Who knew there were so many...........

Eastern white pine
Western white pine
Sugar pine
Red pine
Pitch pine
Jack pine
Longleaf pine
Shortleaf pine
Loblolly pine
Slash pine
Virginia pine
Lodgepole pine
Ponderosa pine

I have no idea what type pine these little cones are from but they are just adorable. As I walked past the tree and saw all the cones, I was inspired.