Cones

Cones is a general term used for the fruit of a pine tree. A pine cone is shaped like an egg or a cone. It has scales on them. Pine cones usually have spiny points at the tip of each scale.

There are a number of species falling under the pine category. All of them are used in some or the other way.

Which are the Important Species of Pine?
Lodgepole Pine (Pinus Contorta)
The fruit of this pine tree is small, egg shaped with a prickle at the end of each scale. These fruits may remain close on the tree for years.

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus Ponderosa)
The fruit of this tree is a egg shaped cone. Each scale has a straight, stiff prickle that sticks out.

Jeffrey Pine (Pinus Jeffreyi)
The fruit is a large, woody cone with scales. Each scale having a curved prickle that curves inward.

Knob cone Pine (Pinus Attenuata)
The fruit is a woody cone with swoolen, knob like bumps on one side. Cones may remain closed on the tree for many years.

Western White Pine (Pinus Monticola)
The fruit is a woody cone that is slender and curved. Cone scales are thin and often curve up on the end.

Sugar Pine (Pinus Lambertiana)
Fruit is a huge, woody cone and cone scales are thick and straight.

Limber Pine (Pinus Flexilis)
Fruit is a woody cone with thick cone scales having no prickles.

White Bark Pine (Pinus Albicaulis)
Fruit is a small, woody cone that is nearly round. They have thick scales with no prickles. They remain closed on tree even when mature. Seeds are unwinged and a rich source of food for animals.

Pinecones are considered to be a beautiful gift of nature reflecting a blend of beauty and application.

Uses of Dried Pine Cones

• Pine Cone Wreath: Attractive wreaths are made using pine cones and they can be enchanced with boughs of holly, evergreen and ribbon.
• Pine Cone Bird Feeder: A beautiful pine code bird feeder can be made by rolling the pine cones in the birdseed until its completely covered.
• Scented Pine Cones: Using cinnamon oil and pine cones and a blend of several aromatic materials scented pine cones are made. Scented pine cones are becoming increasingly popular and can be used as a decorative or to gift somebody.
• Magical Uses: Pine cones are used to banish negativity and evil. They protect, consecrate and purify. They are burned in the fireplace or cauldron.
• Pine Cone Kindler: Using colored wax, vegetable oil and pine cones beautiful kindlers are made. Pine cone kindlers are placed in a decorated basket and used as a memorable gift of love for someone dear.
• Pine Cone Cushion: Pull few stalks from the cones. Cut some circles of material and sew a running stich around the edge. Then stuff some wadding in to make a soft ball. Stuff in the soft ball by applying a glue in the cone from where the stalks are pulled.
• Pine Cone Easter Decoration: Several decorative pieces are made using pine cones. To add a more decorative look few artificial fruits, leaves and toys are added.
• Thanks Giving Turkey: Pine cones that are flat on one end and cone shaped make little turkeys for thanksgiving decorations. The flat end would be the tail after you stick in a few feathers or feather shaped cutouts.
• Make a Christmas Tree: A beautiful tree is made by gluing a single pine cone into a small flower pot. Glitter is sprayed on the tip of the branches and a small star on the top. Wrap a piece of rickrack around the flower pot. Touches of glitter can be added to the flower pot as well. Tuck some cotton into the branches for the llok of snow.
• Angel Ornaments: Using long, narrow variety of pinecones beautiful ornaments are made. To the flat part, glue a wooden ball and two big rose leaves to the back for wings. Spray paint the whole with either silver or gold. Attach a string to the back for a hanger.
• Mini Bird's Nest: Using baby pine cones beautiful nest can be made that can be used as a centerpiece. Glue the pine cones together forming a circle and bottom of the nest. Cut the excess wire and stick a artificial bird in the middle of the nest. Decorate the nest with dried flowers and ribbons.
• Corn Cob Magnet: Paint yellow dots on the pine cones. Cut the bumps off the green chenile stem and glue these along the side of the pine cone to look like the husks. Attach a small magnet strip to the back and hung it on the fridge or cupboard.
• Pine Cone Pony: Stick the ends of four straight twig legs to a medium sized pine cone. For the head and neck, glue a small pine cone to the end of a twig. Then glue the base of the neck to the body. Lastly, glue a thick bunch of pine needles to the back of the body for a flowing tail.
• Pine Cone Snow People: Get creative and make a variety of snow people for winter decoration. They also make christmas tree decoration and gifts. Paint the pine cone white and glue the white pom pom onto the tip of the pine cone. Two twigs can be used to make the arms of the snowman. Several other decorative materials can be used to make the nose, lips, mouth and eyes.
• Pine Cone Skier Craft: Cute skie craft can be made by pine cones. Attach the pine cone to 2 popsicle sticks and use tooth picks for the sky poles. Pipe cleaners are bent to be the hands and hold the poles. The head is made from large bead and googly eyes attached.