Seward, Alaska
It’s been fascinating watching the buds swell on the area’s Lutz Spruce this spring and shed their protective brown papery covers.
Some emerged as upright greenish female cones with a beautiful Fibonacci spiral design. These soon turned pink as they became receptive to the pollen from the male flowers, and then flaming magenta as they matured. As summer progresses, they will harden, turn brown, and gradually turn upside down. Then the bracts will open and the tiny winged seeds will fly away, or be eaten by many species of birds.
The male cones resembled little pinkish footballs at first, then elongated and disintegrated with the slightest breeze, shedding yellowish pollen at a touch. A good wind like today sent clouds of pollen everywhere, coating land, water, town, everything. Truly massive amounts. Should be a good cone crop coming up!
Soft, light-green needles at the tips of the branches tossed off their bud covers next. This is the only time spruce needles won’t prick your fingers. The light green tips contrast with the mature, darker (and sharp) needles creating a lovely pattern.
Vibrant greens, pinks, and magenta, Fibonacci spirals, upright then upside down, unbelievable explosions of pollen, flying seeds: lots going on with the staid ol' spruce trees!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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