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cone
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Coulter pine A brown Douglas fir pine cone hangs from a branch surrounded by green needle-like leaves. Wind pollination Spruce cones Sugar pine
How different plants store their seeds
Quick Facts
Also called:
strobilus
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Coulter pine
Coulter pine Pinecone of a Coulter pine (Pinus coulteri). Known colloquially as “widow-makers,” these cones are the most massive of any pine species and can weigh up to 5 kg (11 pounds).

cone

plant anatomy
Also known as: strobilus
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History
Douglas fir cone
1 of 2
Douglas fir coneCone of a Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga species).
Wind pollination
2 of 2
Wind pollinationWindblown pollen from the male cone of a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta).

cone, in botany, mass of scales or bracts, usually ovate in shape, containing the reproductive organs of certain nonflowering plants. The cone, a distinguishing feature of pines and other conifers, is also found on all gymnosperms, on some club mosses, and on horsetails.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.