Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Everyone knows fir, pine and spruce cones. But not only conifers form cone-shaped inflorescences. We introduce deciduous trees that form cones and their special features.

In a nutshell

  • Cones are a fruit shape
  • less common in deciduous trees than in conifers
  • Cone fruits contain seeds
  • popular as decoration and in aquaristics

cones

Conifers often form cones. Are there also deciduous trees that develop cones? We have investigated this question and have put together cone-forming varieties. Cones on deciduous trees are woody inflorescences. The seeds are located behind the initially soft cone scales. It is worth taking a closer look at the structure. The spiral arrangement of the trunnion scales around the trunnion spindle follows a fixed construction plan.

Chinese Tulip Tree (Liriodendron chinense)

The Chinese tulip tree enchants with its exotic-looking blossoms. The deciduous tree, which comes from Asia, can be seen more and more frequently in German gardens and parks.

Source right image: I, KENPEI, Liriodendron chinense1, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Family: Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae)
  • Occurrence: widespread in Germany in parks and gardens
  • Growth height: 10 to 15 meters
  • Growth form: tree
  • Leaves: 10 to 15 centimeters long, four-lobed, glossy green above, light green below, initially waxy
  • Flowers: hermaphrodite, bell-shaped, yellow petals with a greenish base, thick stamens
  • Flowering time: April to May
  • Cones: 10 centimeters long, conical, consists of nutlets assembled in a spiral, resembles a conifer cone
  • Fruit ripening: September to October

Notice: Chinese tulip trees are excellent bee pasture. The first flowers appear after fifteen years. Then even a small tulip tree is sufficient for the production of one to two kilograms of honey.

Gray alder (Alnus incana)

The gray alder is widespread in Central Europe. The deciduous tree even grows at high altitudes in the Alps.

  • Family: Birch family (Betulaceae)
  • Occurrence: everywhere in Germany
  • Growth height: 10 to 25 meters
  • Growth form: tree or tall shrub
  • Leaves: 4 to 10 mm long, elliptical, green above, blue-grey below
  • female flowers: inconspicuous
  • male flowers: drooping catkins
  • Flowering time: March to April
  • Cones: ovoid, lignified, 13 to 16 mm long, 10 mm wide, contain winged nutlets
  • Fruit ripening: September to October

Green alder (Alnus viridis)

The green alder is a small, widely branched deciduous tree or shrub with cones. It is primarily native to the German low mountain ranges.

  • Family: Birch family (Betulaceae)
  • Occurrence: at high altitudes in the mountains
  • Growth height: 10 to 25 meters
  • Growth form: tree or tall shrub
  • Leaves: 10 to 20 mm long, elliptic, green above, light green below, shiny
  • female flowers: inconspicuous, overwinter in the buds
  • male flowers: pendulous catkins
  • Flowering time: April to May
  • Cones: ovate, woody, 10 to 13 mm long, 7 mm wide, contain small winged nutlets
  • Fruit ripening: October to November

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Three different types of black alder are native to Germany. They grow on moist clay and gravel soils.

  • Family: Birch family (Betulaceae)
  • Occurrence: in damp locations, near water
  • Growth height: 10 to 25 meters
  • Growth form: Tree, richly branched
  • Leaves: 10 to 20 millimeters long, rounded, green above, light green below, initially sticky
  • female flowers: inconspicuous,
  • male flowers: drooping catkins, developed in the previous year, overwintering naked
  • Flowering time: March to April
  • Cones: ovoid, woody, 15 to 18 mm long, 10 to 12 mm wide, contain winged nutlets on the side
  • Fruit ripening: September to October

Note: The black alder can live up to 100 years.

frequently asked Questions

What is the function of the cones of deciduous trees?

The cone fruits are used for reproduction. The seeds are behind the cone scales.

How can alder cones be used?

Just like the cones of conifers, those of deciduous trees have a high ornamental value. They are suitable for the design of flower arrangements and Christmas decorations. Black alder cones are collected by aquarists and used in ornamental fish breeding because of their germ-inhibiting effect.

How do the seeds spread from the alder cones?

The cone-shaped fruits of the alder contain many small nuts, the seeds. Only after the winter, when the alder cones have become solid and woody, are they spread by wind and water and bring forth new life.

Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Category:

Garden plants