We live in a forest of pine trees. Unlike flowering plants, pine trees don’t attract bees or butterflies for pollination. The wind does the job of transferring pollen from male cones to female cones or on other trees.
The first two photos are male pine cones and the third one, what we think of as a traditional pine cone is a female. The video captures the wind blowing the pollen from the trees.
Published by authorlaurablog
I'm a reading specialist and award winning educator from Chicago. While living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for nine years, I spent time hiking on the trails with my Goldendoodle Charlie and friends, writing, working in a literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and mentoring writers and teachers. I love visiting schools. My books combine STEM and Kindness. "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" a picture book that draws inspiration from the moon and the curiosity of children, inviting children to be creative, explore, and experiment. "An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story" a picture book told in the form of a newscast which skillfully balances the serious subject of forest fires with compassion and humor to help children navigate this important topic through the real events of 2020. I moved to Northern New Jersey in 2025 and am working on new projects.
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Laura Roettiger Books 
This is everywhere here in Wisconsin right now… it’s like a summer snow. 🙂 Pine trees are exceptionally beautiful and it is nice to see that others appreciate them, too. Also, achoo!
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Lol! Fortunately I’m not allergic but I know others are suffering.
My only complaint is the yellow dust everywhere.
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I discovered that I’m allergic to all of the pines in the Bay Area. I love nature, but I spend a handful of months taking antihistamines to keep my eyes and nose from driving me crazy. Have you seen the Andy Goldsworthy film where he climbs inside a pollen-covered tree and shakes its limbs? Huge clouds of pollen take flight. It’s hilarious as he walks away, covered in pollen and saying that he really shouldn’t be doing that. The man is a creative genius but lacking, perhaps, in the common sense category, LOL.
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Yes! I’d forgotten about that and I agree completely that he is proof common sense is less common than you might think.
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Also, Sorry to hear you’re allergic. I saw on a local neighborhood thread that people were discussing what worked best to combat the suffering. It’s supposed to rain this weekend which should end the pollen for the year.
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I’ve gotten used to taking either Claritin or Zyrtec, depending on the day. But rain does work wonders!
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I’ve heard those are both lifesavers for allergy sufferers. My allergies aren’t related to pollen but I understand!
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