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Home » Play Ideas » My Nature Journal

Amateur Naturalist: Hovering Helicopter Seeds

I mentioned "Helicopter Seeds" in yesterday's post on Minaya Park, but I didn't really go into detail on these wonderful finds in nature.  Joel Robinson, an expert naturalist from Naturalist-For-You, first introduced me to these seeds on one of his guided family hikes (if you haven't been, you should go!).   The one we found on our hike with Joel was rather small and thin.

The ones at Minaya are much bigger!

If you keep your eyes open you can find them on the ground at lots of parks in the area.  There's a great web page for learning about the "Wind Dispersal of Seeds."  Check out #3 which is about the South American tipu tree (Tipuana tipu) and how its seeds are called Helicopters or Whirlybirds.  You'll no doubt find more of these trees and seeds on your adventures around town.  Here is what the tree looks like:

How do you make the seed fly?
Have your kids hold the seed by the round part and throw them swiftly straight UP in the air. On their way back down, they wondrously spin like a helicopter!

Here is what the seed pods look like on the tree:

Thanks for indulging my inner naturalist! Hope you have fun finding and flying these precious gifts from nature.

More My Nature Journal

  • Sharing My Mother's Mom-isms in Celebration of Mother's Day
  • Noguchi Gardens (California Scenario) in Costa Mesa
  • Practice 2 Simple Parenting Strategies and Never "Entertain" Your Young Kids Again
  • 10 Ways to Find New Places to Play

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

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