The appearance of true cedar seeds is specific to the species within the genus Cedrus, which includes the well-known Lebanon, Atlas, and Deodar cedars. These majestic evergreen trees produce seeds that are structurally adapted for wind travel, helping them to colonize new ground across their native mountainous ranges. Understanding the seed’s look requires examining the reproductive kernel itself and the protective structure where it develops. This distinct appearance helps differentiate the seeds of true cedars from those of other conifers often mistakenly called “cedars.”
Context: Where Cedar Seeds Develop
True cedar seeds are formed and matured within large, upright cones that sit prominently on the upper branches of the tree. The female cones are generally barrel-shaped, measuring between 6 to 12 centimeters in length and 3 to 8 centimeters wide. These cones require 12 to 18 months to fully mature after pollination, transitioning from a pale green color to a woody, resinous gray-brown as they ripen.
Unlike the cones of many other conifers, cedar cones disintegrate while they are still attached to the branch. This is a defining characteristic of the Cedrus genus, scattering the individual cone scales and seeds. The process leaves only a central, upright spike, known as the rachis, remaining on the twig. Consequently, fresh cedar seeds should be sought on the ground directly beneath the tree or on the individual scales that have recently fallen.
Physical Characteristics of the Seed Body
Once separated from the cone scale and the wing, the cedar seed body is an irregularly shaped propagule. The kernel itself is typically ovoid or triangular, often with slightly angular edges. The seed body generally measures between 10 to 15 millimeters in length. For instance, the seeds of the Cedar of Lebanon are commonly around 10 to 14 millimeters long and 4 to 6 millimeters wide.
The surface of the seed body is not uniform in color, presenting a light brown or grayish hue, sometimes appearing mottled. A unique feature is the presence of two or three small resin blisters on the seed coat. These blisters contain a bitter-tasting resin, which acts as a natural defense mechanism against consumption by small animals. The compact structure of this kernel holds the genetic material and food reserves necessary for germination.
The Distinguishing Feature: Cedar Seed Wings
The most recognizable element of a cedar seed is the large, membranous wing attached to the kernel. This structure is specifically designed for anemochory, or wind dispersal, which is necessary for a tree that releases its seeds from a high elevation. The wing is significantly larger than the seed body, often doubling or tripling the overall length of the propagule, reaching up to 20 to 30 millimeters long and up to 18 millimeters wide.
The wing’s texture is thin and papery, contributing to its light weight and aerodynamic capability. It is typically wedge-shaped or fan-shaped, and its color is a translucent pale tan or light brown. The wing attaches to one end of the seed body, creating an asymmetrical shape that causes the entire unit to spin as it falls. This spinning action slows the descent and allows the wind to carry the seed a significant distance from the parent tree.