Buds and Flowers

A bud is a newly-formed shoot that forms at the stem tip or leaf axil (angle between upper side of leaf and its originating tree stem).

Tiny buds start to form in summer when trees can store surplus energy from sunlight. After winter dormancy they use this energy in spring to grow the buds and develop new branches, foliage and flowers.

Flowers are made up of sepals, petals and either or both male and female reproductive organs (‘stamen’ and ‘carpel’ respectively). Sepals protect the flower while petals attract pollinators with their bright colours and sweet scents.

The term ‘blossom’ is often used interchangeably with ‘flower’ but refers botanically to stone fruit trees in the Rosaceae family (cherry, plum, apple etc).

The white blossom of blackthorn and cherry plum are first to appear domestically (February) whereas rowan and domestic apple can take until June.

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Image: ScienceFacts.net