“Helicopter flowers,” a common sight in many landscapes, are not botanically flowers but rather distinctive winged seeds. These seeds are primarily associated with maple trees and are designed for effective wind dispersal. Their unique structure allows them to twirl and drift, carrying the developing plant far from its parent tree. This specialized adaptation facilitates the spread of tree species across various environments.
What Are Helicopter Flowers
These unique structures are botanically known as samaras, a type of dry fruit. Each samara consists of a single seed encased within a papery, flattened wing. The wing is thin and membranous, designed to maximize surface area to catch the wind. While many samaras have a single wing, those commonly recognized as “helicopter flowers” often feature two wings joined at the base, creating a V-shape.
The size, shape, and color of samaras vary depending on the tree species that produces them. For instance, red maple samaras often appear reddish and are about one inch long, while silver maple samaras can be larger, around two inches long. This winged design enables the seed to float or glide through the air, aiding in its dispersal.
Trees That Produce Helicopter Flowers
Maple trees are widely recognized for their abundant production of samaras, often called “helicopter seeds.” Many maple species, including red, silver, Norway, and Japanese maples, are prolific producers of these double-winged seeds. Red maples, for example, yield samaras with reddish wings, while silver maples produce larger, often green seeds.
While maples are the most common source, other trees also produce samaras with differing structures. Ash trees develop samaras with a single elongated wing. Elm trees produce samaras where the seed is centrally located within a circular papery wing. Common hoptree and the invasive tree-of-heaven are additional examples of plants that produce winged seeds.
The Science of Helicopter Flight
The distinctive spinning descent of samaras results from an aerodynamic process known as autorotation. As the winged seed falls, its unique shape causes it to rotate around a central axis. This rotation is initiated because the seed’s weight, or center of mass, is positioned at one end of the wing, while the broader wing catches the air.
As the samara spins, it creates a stable leading-edge vortex (LEV) along its wing. This vortex generates lift, effectively slowing the seed’s descent and allowing it to remain airborne for longer periods. The extended airtime increases the chance that wind currents will carry the seed significant distances from the parent tree.
Managing Helicopter Flowers
Helicopter seeds, particularly from maple trees, can lead to concerns for homeowners due to their prolific nature. Large quantities of these seeds accumulate on lawns, patios, and garden beds. Their ability to travel far often leads to widespread germination in unwanted areas.
Managing these seeds involves regular cleanup. Raking or sweeping clears them from hard surfaces. For lawns, frequent mowing grinds up germinating seeds, preventing establishment. In garden beds, hand-pulling young seedlings is an effective method. Mulching can suppress germination, or tarps can be used during peak shedding times to collect seeds before they disperse widely.