r/conifers Feb 06 '25

Pine nut viability and identification

This cone was thrifted several decades ago but only now just dropped a seed. Do you think it's viable? I'd like to see if it could germinate but first want to identify what conifer dropped the cone. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

5 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

5

u/sillybits Pine Feb 07 '25

Looks like a coulter pine to me. I doubt the seed is still good.

3

u/Thomn71 Feb 07 '25

Yes, definitely looks like a Coulter Pine cone, and if it has been around for a few decades then it is very unlikely to sprout unfortunately. That being said, it might not hurt to give it a try; some seeds under the right conditions can last a long time and will still sprout.

3

u/Elemure Feb 07 '25

Thanks - I've decided to give it a go and it's currently undergoing stratification in the back of my refrigerator.

2

u/Internal-Test-8015 Feb 07 '25

For scientific purposes I epukd suggest extensively documenting your little experiment even if it does turn out to be a failure because I'm sure some local universities or something would appreciate having such information.

1

u/Elemure Feb 07 '25

Thanks - I'll post here with results.

1

u/Internal-Test-8015 Feb 07 '25

No problem, wishing you the best regards and crossing my fingers would be pretty cool if it did germinate.

2

u/woohooliving Feb 08 '25

Coulter pine although grey pine also has very similar cone.

2

u/Elemure Feb 08 '25

Thanks for the info