Which Pollinators are Suitable for White Spruce?

Bloom Time

Spring

Primary pollinators

Wind

How Does Pollination Occur in White Spruce?

White spruce bears unisexual flowers, known as cones. Male cones are small, cylindrical, and reddish-brown, producing pollen, while female cones are larger, green, and egg-shaped, containing ovules which develop into seeds.

The pollination of white spruce is anemophilous, meaning it occurs through wind. Male cones release pollen that is carried by wind to female cones.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of White Spruce?

Wind Barriers

The creation of wind barriers using hedges or taller trees can help manage the direction of wind and its effect on the white spruce trees. This can significantly enhance the pollination process, as pollen carried by the wind will be more likely to reach to the female cones of the same species.

Tree Placement

Planting male and female white spruce trees close together will increase the chances of cross-pollination. Wind would be able to easily carry pollen grains from one tree to another, much more effectively than if the trees were scattered.

Mulch

Introduce a layer of mulch around your spruce trees. This can help retain soil moisture and maintain tree health, subsequently leading to better flowering and increased pollen production.

Temperature Control

Spruce trees prefer cooler weather conditions for better pollen production. If possible, locate your garden or farm in an area with proper sun exposure where temperatures remain favorable. Outdoor mist cooling systems can be used to optimize tree health and potentially enhance pollen viability.

How Can You Determine if White Spruce has Been Pollinated?

Conifer cones

For white spruce, successful pollination results in the formation of mature cones. Pollinated female cones slowly develop seeds inside.

Pollen clouds

When white spruce is in the pollination stage, you may notice pollen clouds around the male cones when they are disturbed.

Seed development

Inside pollinated cones of white spruce, you'll see seeds developing. Seeds signify successful pollination.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in White Spruce

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

60 - 120 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating White Spruce?

Small Paint Brush

A small, soft paint brush will be used to collect and transfer the pollen from male cones to female ones.

Gloves

To protect your hands while handling brisks and cones of white spruce

Bag

A small, breathable bag (like a paper bag or mesh fabric) to cover the female cone after hand-pollination, preventing cross-pollination

Tag Marker

To mark the pollinated cones, so you can easily keep track

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating White Spruce?

The optimal time to hand-pollinate the white spruce plant is in the springtime, during May and June in particular. This is when the plant naturally pollinates and the male and female cones are mature enough for successful pollination. During the day, choose a calm, dry late morning or early afternoon, after the dew has evaporated.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate White Spruce

Step1: Gathering Pollen

Locate a mature male cone from white spruce which is filled with yellow pollen. Use your small paintbrush and lightly brush over the male cones to gather pollen. Ensure your brush gets thoroughly coated with pollen.

Step2: Transferring Pollen

Locate the mature female cones on the same or another white spruce tree. Gently brush the stigma of the female cone with your pollen-loaded paint brush, making sure the pollen comes into contact with it.

Step3: Covering

Cover the pollinated female cone with a breathable bag to protect it from unknown pollen sources and pests. Secure it with a piece of string or twist ties without causing damage.

Step4: Marking

Mark the pollinated cones by attaching a tag marker, so you can track them until the seeds are ready to harvest.

Step5: Monitoring

Keep an eye on the pollinated cones over the following weeks and months. The cones should start to swell and close up as an indication of successful pollination.

Why Aren't There Fruits on White Spruce Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Lack of cones

If white spruce does not produce cones, ensuring optimal health of the plant could promote cone development and subsequent pollination.

Poor seed development

In case of poor seed development, maintaining ideal environmental conditions for white spruce, including proper light and moisture, can enhance pollination.

Low Pollen Production

Low pollen production can affect pollination. Adequate watering, fertilizing, and ensuring good sun exposure can boost the pollen production on white spruce.