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Four Common Methods Plants Use to Disperse Their Seed

When Leo Aiken said, "A good gardener always plants 3 seeds---one for the bugs, one for the weather and one for himself," he probably spoke from experience. However, sometimes flowers appear where no seeds have been sown by the gardener's hand. Although these rogue plants may produce abundant blooms, the gardener is left scratching his head wondering where the seed came from. The answer, of course, lies in the remarkable ways in which nature disperses seeds.

  1. Wind

    • Fluffy or feathery seeds disperse in the wind.

      Small light seeds, such as dandelion, thistles and milkweed, are designed to be dispersed by the wind. These seeds typically feature hairy or furry portions that catch the wind. Some, such as maple seeds, have fins that twirl in the wind. Still others are so light that the wind lifts them and carries them to new areas.

    Animals

    • Seeds with burrs hitch a ride in animal fur.

      Hungry animals or birds swallow many seeds, especially those in fruits. The fruit digests, but the seeds contain a tough coating that is not digested by animals. The seed passes through the digestive system and is deposited in a new area.

      Other seeds, such as burdock, contain small burrs that lodge in the animal's fur. Eventually the animal loosens the burr, or knocks it free during activity, and the seed is deposited in a new location. Seeds with burrs also hitch rides on humans by attaching to clothing.

    Water

    • Coconut seeds float and are carried to new areas by water.

      Some plants that grow near the ocean or bodies of water produce seeds that float in the water, such as the coconut. Seeds drop from the plant and fall into the water, which carries them to new areas where they sprout and grow.

    Exploding Pods

    • Some seeds grow in pods that pop open and spread seeds.

      Seeds that grow in pods, such as pansies, petunias and lupines, split when they dry, casting the seeds in the air. Seeds settle in the soil where they germinate to produce new plants.

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Garden Seeds
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  2. Clivia Miniata Seeds
  3. Seed Stratification Techniques
  4. How to Use Magnets to Increase Seed Sprouting
  5. Facts on Seed Plants
  6. How to Start Herb Plants From Seed Indoors
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  8. How to Propagate Sumac From Seed
  9. Four Characteristics of Seed Plants
  10. Fruits That Use Animals to Disperse Their Seeds
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  12. What Kind of Soil to Use to Germinate a Seed?

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