Pine tree um, er..."parts" ?

[Dazed_Lily]

I took these photos of 1 of 3 pines trees next to each other. I am not sure what these 'parts' are. I think all looks normal except those red things sticking out of the...I think they are called 'candles'. I just want to make sure those red things aren't a 'fungus among us' ?! I don't think they are pine cones because you can see green pine cones forming at the bottom .

[sue salley]

Cathy, I think the candles are new growth. I am not sure about the red things. Will be interesting to see what other know or think. They do look healthy though.

[Tom]

http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=4178026

It is more than likely that the red things are the male flowers. They generally form in the tip of the candle (New growth) and are above the cone (female flower). The image referred to above is of a longleaf pine. Other pines have different colored male flowers, some of which are also red.

Hope this helps.

[Dazed_Lily]

Thanks ! Oh, maybe that is what they are. I have some other photos but they will have to wit til next weekend. Maybe by then, we can see how these flowers progress and get anothet photo.
I'm glad it's not a disease. They have us so paranoid here in Kansas about a blight that is wiping out the pine trees !

[Tom]

A different picture may help. If you are still unsure, you can always take a sample to your county agents office for identification and treatment recommendations. In our agent office we have a camera/microscope setup that can take a wide range of magnified pictures that are transmitted directly to the appropriate department at Auburn Univ.

[vicki]

Cathy,
Tom is correct. I've seen alot of these 'flowers' over the years, on all different kinds of pine trees.