A red spruce cone looks simple, but it’s a clever structure made of overlapping scales that protect the seeds inside from cold, wind and harsh weather.
As the cone matures, the scales gradually open and release the seeds, which are often carried
away by the breeze to new ...
A red spruce cone looks simple, but it’s a clever structure made of overlapping scales that protect the seeds inside from cold, wind and harsh weather.
As the cone matures, the scales gradually open and release the seeds, which are often carried
away by the breeze to new ground.
If you look closely, you can see the scales arranged in clear
spirals around the cone.
This sturdy design helps the tree safeguard its seeds and spread them efficiently in the cool, moist, high-elevation forests where red spruce grows.
Katharine Amies
katharineamies.com
Follow Katharine on Instagram - @katharineamies
