Gone to Seed

It is that time of year when the fresh green shoots and vibrant flowers start to give way to the more muted, but just as exciting seed pods.

Seed heads caught in a dewy cobweb

All life on Earth, including plants started out in the oceans. It is thought that 450 million years ago algae made the leap from water to dry land. The earliest plants, such as ferns, reproduced by spores. The earliest seed producing plants are thought to have developed around 360 million years ago.

Gorse seed pods popping

Since that time plants have evolved several different ways of dispersing their seeds, through wind, or by producing nuts and fruits that pass through animals.

Bladder Campion Seed Heads

Cow Parsley Seed Head

Grape Hyacinth Seed Heads

Peony Seed Pod