Trees like elm trees and hoptrees have seeds enclosed in rounded, papery casings. However, some have a single wing that falls in a whirling motion when it drops from the tree. These winged seeds typically grow in pairs and have double wings with the seeds joined at the center. The primary types of trees producing helicopter seeds are maple, ash, elm, and sycamore trees. The long papery wing has a rounded end and veins that help the nut to rotate through the air.Īlthough many trees produce samaras, not all can be called “helicopter seeds.” Some samaras are round, papery casings that float on the wind without any noticeable spinning action. The shape of helicopter seeds means they are ideal for floating. Helicopter seeds can measure 0.78” to 3” (20 – 75 mm) long. This means that woodland understories, roofs, lawns, patios, and gutters can be filled with helicopter seeds if maple or sycamore trees are nearby. Other names for helicopter seeds are “twisters,” “whirligigs,” “spinning jenny,” and “whirlers.” Samara-producing trees sometimes release hundreds of these spinning winged seeds in strong breezes. This “whirly” rotating action is why samaras are called helicopter seeds. Most samaras have a wing-like appearance and spin around as they fall to the ground. What Are Helicopter Seeds?Ī helicopter seed is a dry fruit or seed in a flattened paper-tissue casing that extends to one side. Knowing the identifying features of various types of samaras will help you identify the species of tree they are from. This article is a complete guide to helicopter seeds produced by several species of deciduous trees. Other types of trees, like elms and hoptrees, have samaras with the seed in the center of the papery casing. These types of helicopter seeds are common with maple and ash trees. These have the two seeds joined together in the middle. Most types of helicopter seeds are double-winged varieties. The wind can then disperse spinning helicopter seeds far from the host tree, helping the trees to flourish in a woodland landscape. These papery, winged seeds are named helicopter seeds because they fall to the ground in whirling motion-just like a helicopter’s rotor blades. Helicopter seeds are the winged seeds of several species of deciduous trees. Share on Email Share on Pinterest Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
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