Japanese maple flowers

Discussion in 'Maples' started by katsura, Apr 26, 2007.

  1. katsura

    katsura Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Novato, California
    I have never seen such prolific flowering as this year on my maples.
    I have scores of cultivars producing samaras right now on which I
    have never seen seeds. I am excited already about germinating these
    seeds. A learned acerologist friend told me that flowers produced following
    a rainy year(s) are mostly female; flowers following a dry year(s) male.
    Here in th Bay Area we had about 65-75% normal rain (dry year) but 2006
    was very wet (130%+ of normal) so I believe this flowering & seed production
    is the result of the wet 2006 winter/spring. Also, I have noticed bees pollinizing
    the flowers. How else are Japanese maple flowers pollinized please?
    Would appreciate all feedback.
    Thanks.
     
  2. chimera

    chimera Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Fraser Valley, B.C. ,Canada
    Similar here too , the native maples are loaded with bloom. Other trees also. Japanese maples still leafing out. Never seen a spring like this one. Interesting observations there. Last year's summer was quite dry here, think fall to spring here may be a little wetter than normal. Don't know much about maple pollen, but understand some plants have a heavy pollen spread by insects, then a lighter pollen spread by wind.
     
  3. whis4ey

    whis4ey Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Northern Ireland
    Strangely enough, even here in Northern Ireland I am seeing flowers and samaras on maples that have never shown before. It could just be because my trees are maturing, but surely that would be a coincidence when you are having the same experience?
     
  4. alex66

    alex66 Rising Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Location:
    ROME Italy zone9/b
    Katsura,Chimera,Whis4ey is true!this year is incredible many flowers and samaras on my maple I see flowers on JM Villa Taranto!!!Why this ?Japan have similar conditions of time?
     
  5. Hayzee

    Hayzee Member

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    Location:
    Northampton, UK
    I agree I can only think of 3 of my maples that haven't flowered this year, Ukigomo, Katsura & Trompenburg. My 2 Viridis are covered with flowers and the others have a fair number too.

    I think mine maybe maturing too, but I didn't have a single flower on any last year.

    regards

    HZ
     
  6. chimera

    chimera Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Fraser Valley, B.C. ,Canada
    Wonder if increasing levels of carbon dioxide has any bearing on the what seems like a more profuse bloom of various types of trees this year ? In respect to more being available to the plant.
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2007

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