Pine Parenthood
Posted by michelle blankenship on January 9, 2006
Q: I have a White Pine in Columbus, OH. We planted it eight years ago. It is a very healthy tree, but never has produced pine cones. Why?
Thanks,
Michelle
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Ohio
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: There are a variety of possible reasons for no cones on your tree but the most likely one is the tree's age - it's too young. If you think about it, very young trees do not produce seeds. It's not until a tree has gained some age that it begins to reproduce. Granted, this can vary between species and can vary with other environmental conditions but a really young White Pine just isn't going to reproduce. At what age it will begin producing cones is up for grabs - who knows when your tree will "decide" it's time to reproduce. 8 years seems a bit young to me but I would think within a few years it will set cones. When your tree does begin to reproduce, it will produce separate female and male structures in the spring (these are not true flowers) so you'll know then that it has started. Good luck and let's hope your tree gets the message soon. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( January 9, 2006)