Have you ever noticed an abundance of cones growing on the tops of coniferous trees like this White Spruce? I present to you two theories as to why this happens. 1) White Spruce cone production follows a three year cycle, where new growth occurs in the second year, and seeding occurs in the third. If there are harsh dry conditions, and low snow winters, a tree may produce more cones to ensure reproductive viability. This is at the expense of using vastly more energy, creating risk to the trees lifespan. We had summers with dry heat, drought, and low snow two out of the past three years here in Southcentral Alaska. 2) Most of the cones on the tops of these trees are female, which are the trees primary “sexual” way of reproducing. Male cones on the lower hanging branches are the trees “asexual” means to propagate. Sexual reproduction in conifers tends to favor successful propagation, hence the volume of female cones produced vs the male. Plus, their location at the tops of trees seems to favor seed dispersal vs. the long hanging male fruit. Do you have any thoughts on this natural phenomena? What beauty! . . . . . . . . . . #travelalaska #visitanchorage #naturalist #conifers #whitespruce #cones #pinecones #hikealaska #gohikealaska #exploreyourwild #forests #nature #natureshots #naturalbeauty #naturephotography #hikingadventures #hikingtrails #hikersofinstagram #outside #borealforest #coniferous #loveoutdoors #lovemyjob❤️ (at Glen Alps Trailhead) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ6rgQsnUgV/?igshid=rs3e2rq1uczw
