Whirlybirds or whirlygigs may be familiar to you. You may know them as Samaras or Whirlygigs. But helicopter seeds is the most popular name for the fruit that falls off a maple tree. You might be wondering how many maple trees are capable of producing these flying seeds.

The most number of “helicopter” seed, also known as samara fruit, is produced by red maples, silver maples, Norway maples, Japanese maple trees, and Norway maple trees. Helicopter seeds can be found from late spring through early summer. The helicopter seeds, once they are mature, are often blown away by the wind in the same way as leaves.

We will give you an overview of which maple trees are most prolific at producing helicopter seeds. Also, we will show you how to maintain your maple trees so they can reproduce, grow and bloom again. What are you waiting for?! Let’s get to it!

What Are Helicopter Seeds?

They are also known by the names samaras and whirlybirds.

Maples do not produce samaras.

Samara fruit can be found on maple trees and ash trees. This ‘fruit’ is basically a seed that has been wrapped in a little wing-like shell. Nature designed it to spread far and wide by the wind.

This spread allows the tree to release a samara (or helicopter seed) the opportunity to reproduce at a greater distance than trees that produce fruit like citrus, apples, or acorns.

“Samara” is the name for each of the conjoined sides. They combine to display two casings and two seeds. The structure looks almost like a pair of wings floating in the air.

You may see them more as individuals that have been ripped apart by wind, animals, and other forces of nature.

Only maples produce one-sided wings. Maples are unique in this regard, as they produce one-sided wings.

Samaras have the good fortune of being produced by many kinds of trees. Most people are familiar with samaras, even though they may not be as familiar with the samara bits that end up in their yards.

When it comes to samara production different trees can produce different amounts as well as different types and varieties of seeds.

Let’s not forget that we are talking maple trees.

Which Kinds Of Maple Trees Produce the Most Helicopter Seeds?

There are many types of maple trees. Many maple trees are well-known for producing sap that is used to create the syrup.

One of the lesser-known qualities of maple trees is their ability produce many helicopter seeds. These maple seeds, or any other name you choose, can also be used alongside the maple syrup.

* Red Maples Commonly known for producing sap that’s not as sweet as other trees, the red maple compensates by producing more helicopter seeds!

* Silver Maples. Silver maples are a strong choice, producing more sweet sap and whirlybirds. A silver maple is a great choice for its looks and taste. It also makes it easy to put on a show when the wind blows or the helicopter seeds fly.

* Norway Maples. Although this European native is not as well-known as its cousins, it still has plenty to offer in terms of its size, seeds and ability to spread. . . Wild helicopters?

* Japanese Maples. This tree is one of the most diverse maples. It’s also one of the most versatile. We’re not done yet.

Red Maple Trees Produce Many Helicopter Seeds

A great way to bring color into your space is the red maple tree. The state tree of Rhode Island is beautiful no matter what season.

Even though the leaves begin to fall in winter, the tree’s bright red vibrance is gone. However, the branches compensate by adding another color. The winter will make green stems still young turn red, which continues the cycle of bright red and bright green through the seasons.

The samaras of this tree are proud to carry the tree’s name. Red maple seeds are brighter than other maple seeds, which tend to be a shade of green in the spring and summer.

This makes it easier to identify this maple species.

Silver Maple Trees can produce a lot of Helicopter Seeds

Another one is very popular! Another popular one is the silver maple.

They are more than the silvery underside of a leaf, or the fact that they are a common species in America.

The sap it produces is the crowning jewel of silver maple.

The silver maple is not affected by this issue, unlike other maples (yes, even red maple) which produce bitter sap until it is properly processed.

The syrup’s byproducts have a butterscotch undertone. This makes it a sweet and light treat to add to a variety breakfast, pastries, or savory dishes.

Norway Maple Trees Produce Many Helicopter Seeds

Norway maples aren’t a tree you often hear about as much as their relatives, the maples that have a color listed before their names.

These trees can grow to be medium-sized to large, and they are easy to propagate because of the many seeds and how far they can spread.

Norway maples are covered in samaras (helicopter seeds), that measure approximately 2 inches long and have two papery wings. Iowa State University’s Natural Resource Stewardship describes them.

Japanese Maple Trees Make Many Helicopter Seeds

One perk about being one of the most versatile trees in the world is the fact that Japanese maples aren’t always the same tree as their surrounding trees.

Even if your seeds don’t stick, and you get a few new Japanese maples, the gift is knowing that each tree will grow at a different rate and with different styles.

Leaf shape and size can vary as well as the growth patterns and styles.

You’ll be constantly amazed at the changes that occur and how your tree grows over time with a Japanese maple. They are beautiful and can add beauty to any outdoor setting.

When Do Helicopter Seeds Usually Grow?

Helicopter seeds also known as “samaras”, grow once a year and then fall. In the late spring or early summer, the seeds reach full maturity and begin to fall from maple trees. This is similar to the fall leaves.

How To Maximize Helicopter Seed Growth On Your Maple Tree

You can give your maple tree an extra boost with these easy, natural and quick methods.

This section is for you if you are interested in learning how to support your maple tree the best.

Using The Right Soil To Maintain Your Maples

According to the Clemson Garden Information Center, maple trees prefer well-drained, rich soil that is porous and well-drained. These trees can thrive in any soil pH, but they prefer slightly acidic soil.

To ensure your maple tree thrives, you need to keep the pH within the 5.0 to 7.0 range.

Red and silver maples are the two largest producers of helicopter seed. They also thrive in very wet soil. The extra water they get may increase the production rate of whirlybirds.

This Happy Frog Japanese Maple Organic Leaf Fertilizer is a great example of great maple soil!

Use Fertilizer To Help Maintain Your Maple Trees

It is important to determine the best soil type for your garden. Sometimes, however, soil alone may not be enough, especially if the tree appears to have lost its glory.

If this is the case and your tree is not thriving in the soil it is planted, then why not take the proactive steps to ensure it does not get any worse?

You can ensure your tree gets the nutrients it needs to thrive by using compost, mulch, and other fertilizers.

This article contains specific ingredients to aid your maple tree grow.

A higher acidity soil can be combined with fertilizer to ensure that your tree absorbs all nutrients. A healthy maple tree will produce as many helicopter seeds as you can imagine if it gets 5-12 gallons of water each week.

Water Your Maple Trees Correctly To Help Maintain Them

Maple trees require between 5 and 12 gallons of water per week depending on their age and where they live. This is to keep them hydrated, happy, and healthy.

All trees require water, but the amounts will vary depending on the size, location, rainfall, sunlight, etc.

Be aware that while watering other plants, such as flowers or garden vegetables, your maple tree should also be watered every once in awhile.

Maintain Your Maples By Selectively Pruning Them

Pruning too many maple trees is a mistake.

It is possible to do simple upkeep, and it is even recommended. However, be careful not to overdo it.

Pruning should be done in a way that maintains the tree’s beauty and keeps it out of the neighbor’s yard. However, you shouldn’t prune for the sake or pruning.

Experts will tell you not to trim more than 15% of your tree branches within a single calendar year.

We recommend trimming your maple tree to meet your goals and needs, but then letting it do what nature intended.

The choice of a pruning tool will depend on your tree and you, but this Topbooc 5 pack Garden Pruning Shears Set is a great option!

This rule may change if there is a problem with a pest or disease. We recommend that you conduct specific research on symptoms and contact your local nursery or trained professional for advice.

Wrapping It Up!

These seeds will be here for the long-term, no matter what you call them: maple seeds, samaras or helicopter seeds, whirlygigs or whirlybirds.

These little flying bundles can be used as a snack, an addition to a meal, or as a seed that spreads quickly and helps preserve maple trees.

It can be exciting to watch them twist and turn in the air. However, it is also fun to fall from high branches into grass.

Take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures of today, such as eating a good snack or watching nature at work, and then thank helicopter seeds for being such an enjoyable yet practical part of this all.

We appreciate your time and interest in learning!