Black Spruce Seeds

Maple Samaras

Tamarack Seeds

Jack Pine Seeds

White Pine Seeds

Yellow Birch Seeds

The seeds for the black spruce, white pine, jack pine and tamarack come from cones. Most of these seeds have been cleaned, which removed the wings that were originally attached to each seed in the cone. The wings help to spread the seed further away from its mother tree. The maple samaras is actually a pair of maple seeds with their wings still attached. Maple seeds do not develop inside cones. Some species rely on the wind to spread seed, while some seed is spread after being eaten by animals.

Spruce Pollen

A spruce pollen sample is also included in the Forest Discovery Box. Pollen which is usually yellow, develops on the male flowers of trees. Pollen flowers usually emerge in early spring. Pollen is spread by the wind or rain and is needed to fertilize the female flowers so that viable seed can develop.