Trees with Wind-Pollinated Flowers
Wind pollination is an inefficient option for a tree, as there is a very low probability of a pollen grain landing by chance on the stigma of suitable recipient flower. But, on the other hand, suitable insect pollinators don't thrive in the British climate, particularly in the cooler countryside. Hence a high percentage of native or naturalised British tree species are wind-pollinated. Their flowers are not so flashy as those of insect-pollinated species, but at close range they reveal an intricate beauty. Below are nine such wind-pollinated species. Goat Willow ( Salix caprea ), one of the so-called 'pussy willows' has one of the most striking wind-pollinated flowers. The female flower before opening is soft enough to stroke (in the first picture the styles have extended and the yellow stigmas pushed through the grey hairs). The male flower is equally striking with long yellow-anthered stamens. White Willow ( Salix alba ) has longer catkins closer to the common percept