I know you’ve all heard about persimmon seeds predicting the type of winter you’ll have, but have you ever heard of this?
I’ll admit, that’s a new one on me.
But does it really work?
Yes! This really works! 🌲 And it’s one of those fascinating little things nature does that seems almost too clever to be true.
Pinecones respond to humidity, not directly to approaching rain.
- Dry air: Pinecone scales spread open.
- Humid air: The scales close tightly.
- Rainy conditions: Pinecones generally remain closed because moisture causes their scales to change shape.
Why do pinecones do this?
It’s all about reproduction.
Pinecones protect seeds inside their scales. When conditions are dry, the scales open, allowing wind to carry the seeds away.
When conditions are damp, they close. Seeds don’t disperse as effectively in wet conditions, so keeping them protected makes sense.
Now you know: A pinecone doesn’t have to be alive to do this. Even a fallen, dried pinecone can continue opening and closing as humidity changes.
