Why do spruce trees produce cones

White spruce trees, in particular, are producing large amounts of cones this year, although Serbian spruce and Norway spruce trees also appear to have higher than normal amounts of cones. Spruce seed cones typically occur on the upper third of the tree, while pollen buds, which are fairly inconspicuous, occur on the lower third to reduce self-pollination Photo 3.

In the long term, however, Michigan State University Extension predicts there should be little long-term effects to trees due to the heavy cone crop. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Spruce trees produce a bumper crop of cones. Photos Photo 3. But drilling down, how to identify conifers further? Here are some tips to tell pine and spruce trees apart.

This is an easy tip to remember: on pine trees, needles are attached and attached to the branches in clusters; on spruce trees, needles are attached individually. Not all conifers that produce cones are pines. These cones are built from scales attached to a center stalk — these scales are what can help you differentiate between a pine cone and a spruce cone.

Pinecone scales are woody in nature, with a rigid feel. In contrast, spruce cones have thinner scales than pinecones, which gives them a more flexible feel. Evergreen trees provide shade, privacy, and year-round interest. The Glauca variety is notable for its bluish foliage. This species exhibits spring cone production. Cones are inconspicuous and not showy; they may be green, orange, and purple. How can you tell a white spruce from a black spruce?

To tell a black spruce from a white spruce, examine the small branchlets, the cones and the habitat. Black spruce has tiny reddish hairs on the outermost branchlets and short needles to 1.

How deep are blue spruce roots? According to the U. Forest Service, blue spruce trees develop shallow roots after seed germinate, perhaps only 2 to 3 inches deep. This reveals that this tree species grows with a spreading, shallow root system. How do you start a spruce tree? Recut the base of the cutting at an angle and strip all needles from the lower two-thirds of each one.

Plant the cuttings deep into sandy loam. You can dip each cut end in rooting hormone before planting if desired, although it's not required. Keep the soil moist and watch for roots to form.

Do Norway spruce have pine cones? They have a pine-like fragrance. Norway Spruce is monoecious, forming separate male and female cones on the same tree during mid- to late spring. How do you grow a blue spruce from a pine cone? If you have the room, you'll find the blue spruce a beautiful landscape tree that requires virtually no care at all. Collect still-closed blue spruce pine cones from the blue spruce's branches in early September.

Put the pine cones in a paper bag. Shake the bag vigorously. Place the seeds in the freezer bag.