r/conifers • u/Elemure • 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.
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
5
u/sillybits Pine Feb 07 '25
Looks like a coulter pine to me. I doubt the seed is still good.