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Tree seed identification #928672

Asked April 17, 2026, 9:54 AM EDT

Good morning. I am hoping that you can tell me what kind of tree or scrub these seats come from. This is my second summer in East Bethel and I am discovering all kinds of new trees and shrubs. These seeds have me wondering what they are. They start as small, probably 1/4 inch oval maroon seeds. As time goes on, fuzz emerges from one end of the seed and continues to grow. The end result looks like a caterpillar of about 2 inches long. I have seen trees with hundreds of these things hanging. I have attached pictures. Can you possibly tell me what kind of a tree or a shrub I have in my yard? Thank you so very much.

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

HI Deborah,

These are catkins from an aspen tree. See these pages:

https://elizahowellnaturewalk.com/2024/03/04/catkins-on-quaking-aspens-observation-based-learning/

https://trees.umn.edu/quaking-aspen-populus-tremuloides

Thanks!

MJ Replied April 18, 2026, 9:04 AM EDT
Good morning.

Thank you for your quick response to my seed question. I have so many different trees on my 3 acres, but I never thought there was a quaking aspen. Now I know!

Thank you so very much for your help. I wish you a lovely weekend.

Deborah

On Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 8:04 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT

Thanks Deborah you have a great weekend too!

MJ Replied April 18, 2026, 11:43 AM EDT

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