Pine Parenthood
Posted by Emily Novak on September 7, 2004
Q: Will pinecones open or close depending upon temperature after falling off the tree?
A: Some pine cones (Pitch and Jack Pines do this) open with extreme heat as in a fire but I think most are more moisture-dependent. Once a cone is mature, as it dries out, the bracts (little scale-like coverings) tend to shrink and fold back leaving the seeds exposed. In wet weather, these bracts will tend to close up and not reveal their seeds. And yes, pine cones can and do open (their bracts open) and close after falling off a tree as the moisture changes but this often occurs while the cones are still on the tree.
John Wiessinger ( September 8, 2004)
Filed under: Plants