Early spring is a tree-activity time even before leaves unfold. Many evergreens and deciduous trees flower or develop pollen cones followed by a masive pollen release. Red cedar is one of the earliest trees to release pollen. The pollen cones are so numerous the tree appears yellowish-tan for several weeks. Only half of the red cedar trees form pollen and the others form seed cones, which are pea-sized, purple, fleshy structures that smell like gin. Pollen release is so noticeable and cloudy that fires are reported by mistake when someone believes the pollen is fire smoke. Early spring pollen release usually involves wind pollination, which is one reason the pollen is so abundant.
Countryside News
