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Why Pine Cones Close When Wet: Osmotic Pressure

Cone scales close when cells at their base absorb water, increasing pressure and folding scales forward. Dry cells fold back, opening cone for seed release. Same principle wrinkles fingers in water.

See Fingers Wrinkle.

About Gardening: Diagnosing and Treating Browning Fraser Firs and Cedar Trees; Banana Plant Decline: Camphor Tree Competition for Water; Florida Drought Restrictions vs. Texas – Irrigation Contractor Perspective; Limp, Falling Impatiens: Overwatering or Poor Drainage; Standing Water at Pine Base: Trees Don't Produce Water—Check for Leaks; Why Some Pine Trees Have Cones and Others Don't; Using Pine Cones to Deter Deer: A Simple, Natural Solution; Squirrels Eating Pine Cones: Source of Yard Debris; Water Lettuce in Creek: Tropical Escapee, Dies in Winter; Red-Headed Pine Sawfly Larvae on Deodar Cedar: Act Fast to Save Your Tree

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