The term “pine cone” is often used generally for the reproductive structures of nearly all cone-bearing trees, or conifers. This usage overlooks significant botanical differences, especially regarding true cedar trees, belonging to the genus Cedrus. While true cedars produce cones, their structure and behavior are fundamentally distinct from those of true pines, or the Pinus genus. Further confusion arises because many trees commonly called “cedar” are not true cedars and possess entirely different reproductive parts.
Defining the Pine Cone Standard
The familiar pine cone serves as the reference point for most people, characterized by its tough, woody structure. These female cones are typically elongated or ovoid, and their scales are tightly overlapped, resembling roof shingles. The scales, known as ovuliferous scales, open at maturity to release their winged seeds.
A distinctive feature of a pine cone is its orientation and final fate. Pine cones usually hang down, or are pendulous, on the branch, which aids in wind dispersal of the seeds. Once the seeds are shed, the entire woody structure falls to the ground intact. This durable, recognizable structure is the standard the public associates with all conifer reproduction.
The Upright Cones of True Cedars
True cedars, such as the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) and the Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara), produce female cones. These seed cones are generally barrel-shaped or egg-shaped, making them stockier than the more slender cones of many pine species. They require a longer maturation period.
The most striking difference is the orientation of the cones; true cedar cones grow upright on the branch, resembling small, waxy ornaments. Instead of dropping intact like a pine cone, the cedar cone disintegrates while still attached to the branch. The scales and winged seeds scatter in the wind, leaving only the cone’s central spike, or rachis, standing vertically on the branch for a period of time.
Distinguishing Cones and Other Cedar Look-Alikes
Further complicating the matter, many popular trees labeled as “cedars” are not members of the Cedrus genus but belong to the Cypress family (Cupressaceae). These “false cedars” include Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), and Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis species). Their reproductive structures differ vastly from both true cedar and pine cones.
The Eastern Red Cedar, which is a type of juniper, produces small, fleshy, berry-like cones that appear bluish and waxy. These structures are not woody in the traditional sense. Other false cedars, such as the Western Red Cedar, produce tiny, thin-woody cones that are only about a centimeter long and appear stubby or rosebud-shaped.