More commonly referred to as “helicopters,” “whirlers,” “twisters” or “whirligigs,” samaras are the winged seeds produced by maple trees. All maples produce samaras, but red, silver and Norway maples often produce the largest quantities.
Do all maple trees have whirlybirds?
The fruits of maple trees (Acer spp.) are called samaras, but kids of all ages call them helicopters. Each seed has its own little "wings" that allow it to spiral downward and plant itself in the soil below. Maples aren't the only species that produce samaras, but their helicopters fly best, by far.
What maples have no helicopters?
Planting Maple Trees That Don't Produce Helicopter Seeds
- Firefall maple (zones 3-7): A cherry-red maple that can endure ice, snow, and harsh wind.
- Celebration maple (zones 3-8): A tree with bright orange and yellow fall leaves that can deal with drought, frost, and storms.
