When You Think of Pines, I Hope You Think of Pinecones

We have all probably interacted with pine cones in some way, whether we collected them to start a bon fire, rolled them in peanut butter to create a bird feeder, or avoided them during pollen season. Pine trees produce pine cones, a unique seed with a fascinating science and ecological importance for Florida’s ecosystems.

Learn more:

• Common Pines of Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR003
• Fun facts about pine cones - www.canr.msu.edu/news/fun_facts_about_pine_cones

How You Can Help:

• Plant a pine tree!- U https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR456
• Support prescribed fire - www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Prescribed-Fire
• Leave pine cones where you found them - www.srs.fs.usda.gov/compass/2013/05/07/the-problem-with-longleaf-pine-seeds/

Sources for this Episode:

• Longleaf Pine - www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/pinus/palustris.htm
• Native Trees of the Southeast – An Identification Guide - www.workman.com/products/native-trees-of-the-southeast/paperback
• Morphology of Plants and Fungi - www.abebooks.com/9780060408398/Morphology-Plants-Fungi-Bold-Harold-0060408391/plp

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!