Pollen Nation

Eau Claire, WI(Zone 4a)

Has anyone else noticed heavy pollen production from the native White Pine? Maybe it's my imagination, but it seems unusually high this year. We spent most of yesterday working outside and each slight breeze produced a cloudy haze of pollen, which created a smoke-like appearance. Everything had a light green pollen coating by the end of the day. It was wonderful. :)

Thumbnail by Pseudo Thumbnail by Pseudo Thumbnail by Pseudo
Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a)

Texas yellow pine pollen as well as new sprouts were visible in the air, and sprouting by the 1000's. It isnt your imagination. Of course, under those pines the babies were so thick, the trees have decided to begin dying, needles not renewing, branches softening and we will be removing those monarchs before they take aim at the roof. We had too much drought to too much water and they just are to be counted as casualties.

Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

Healthy trees are supposed to produce pollen - that's how fertilization takes place, and the new generation (through seed production) takes place.

Plant enthusiasts should educate themselves on all the different ways that plants perform this process, and what else in engaged in order for pollination to be successful.

With pines and other conifers, wind is essential. What else...and why?

Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

That certainly looks a good crop! Expect a bumper crop of mature cones too, September next year (White Pine cones take 16-18 months to ripen).

Resin

Powder Springs, GA(Zone 7b)

We had our yellow dusting several weeks ago from tree pollen but nothing unusual about it in the Atlanta area.

Lititz, PA(Zone 6b)

Yeah no unusual amounts here either. Actually, for how dry it was during the pollen release, I thought it'd be worse around here.

Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a)

In Houston area, the oaks and pines pollen is literally so thick it is visible, hold out your hand and you are instantly covered in pollen. It pools so thick in water it's thicker than duckwort on still water. The water looks like someone poured paint to float in scoopable amounts. I imagine all along the southern Gulf is just as heavy.
Wisconsin- Janesville. These trees.

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Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

Those look like Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra).

Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a)

Landscaped. Pines and spruces both, but I dont know these at all. Only other picture I took, I couldn't step across to that 5'berm.

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Pepperell, MA(Zone 6a)

white pines were brutal here - and we do not enjoy the green coating at all. anyone free to clean windows and panes? I'll be in the yard.

Eau Claire, WI(Zone 4a)

Yes, you are quite correct about the dirty details of pine pollen. It's a reasonable price to pay for the chance to live among them. No?

Pepperell, MA(Zone 6a)

i believe they are an ugly tree - much rather sugar maples

Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

Quote from ViburnumValley :
Those look like Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra).


Yep :-)

Resin

Eau Claire, WI(Zone 4a)

Ugly? That is so deflating. I'm not sure I've ever heard anyone refer to the native white pine as ugly. Oh well, to each their own.

Resin, I'll look for a bumper crop of cones in 2016 and try to remember the connection to this spring. Quercus ellipsoidalis also produced an unusual heavy crop of catkins, and I'm wondering if this would be a normal occurrence between these two dominant trees or just a coincidence? Is 2016 likely to be a mast year?

(Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a)

That's an awesome sight Pseudo, thanks for sharing.

Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a)

Our years for heavy pOllen tend to flux- wasnt surprised to see the hvy fall after the brutal drought and then a swampy year, even the squirrels are multiplyin. I like pines, love to hear them in the wind- do NOT like to see them close to my buildings...just asking for trouble...

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