- 1). Look at the pine cone and check its scales. Seed cones of the pine family have scales that overlap one another in a spiral pattern, like those of fish. Look at the shape of the cone. Seed cones are conic, cylindrical or egg-shaped.
- 2). Determine the type of scales. Female cones have two types of scales: bract and seed or ovuliferous scales. Bract scales are modified leaves and develop first, earlier on in spring or summer; seed scales develop later and cover the bract scales to protect the ovules, which will develop into pine seeds.
Scales open temporarily to receive pollen, close during fertilization and reopen at maturity to allow seeds to escape. - 3). Check for seeds within the cone. If seeds are present and the scales are open, the cone is mature. Many seed cones will dry out and fall to the ground once they have reached maturity, making them easier to find and identify.
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