It seems to be a mast year for the Northern White-cedars (thuja occidentalis) growing around the pond this year. The seed pods are so numerous that they are weighing down the branches.
Mast year: A mast year is a year when many trees of the same species produce an exceptionally large seed crop, often 10 to 50 times their normal output, all at the same time across a region.
A mast year is defined by two key features: 1. Huge seed production far above normal levels. 2. Synchronized timing across large populations of trees.
Anyone else seeing large crops of seeds on cedars?
I've never heard of a mast year, but it sure explains a lot about what I've perceived about the trees in my neighbourhood/community.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Insert fist bump here.
DeleteI have noticed that they have had a prolific year. It's been a while since I saw a crop as abundant as this year's. Great to see a species doing well. My Sugar Maple has already lost all its leaves, a result of early season drought I am sure.
ReplyDeleteNothing like tvat here, but i don't think we have that kind of cedar tree. Pretty impressive! Sometimes we do notice when the oak and/or hickory mast is heavy. It can indicate a good, not-starving winter for wildlife.
ReplyDelete