Pine cones are the reproductive organs of a pine tree. The male cone is usually no more than 2 inches (5 cm) long and lives for only a few months in the spring or the autumn, depending on the species of pine. It is covered with microsporangia, or pollen sacs. After it releases its pollen, it falls off the tree.

Male pine cones are the smallest types of pine cones. Male pine cones are yellowish, tube-like clusters with close-knit scales that contain pollen. As a result, male cones are difficult to spot on pine trees. Male pine cones are small cylindrical structures that release pollen.

Female cones are produced high up in the crown of the pine tree, while male cones (catkins) are produced on the branches below. Male pine cones do not look like the pine cones many are used to seeing but are long, thin, and soft structures located in clusters on the lower branches. Male cones are only present in the spring when producing pollen.

Male pine cones develop from pine needles and rarely grow more than 2 inches in length. They form in clusters at the ends of the lower branches of pine trees. Male pine cones are herbaceous -- not made from wood -- and typically live for only a few months in either spring or autumn, depending on the species of tree.

The male cones appear on the trees in the spring time. The male cones are smaller than the female cones that we typically think of when we think of pine cones. These cones are softer and are only on the trees in the spring. After they release their pollen they die away and disappear. These male cones contain lots and lots of pollen.