windpollinated

Wind-pollinated, or anemophilous, plants rely on wind to transfer pollen from male to female flowers rather than using animal pollinators. They typically produce large quantities of light, smooth pollen and have flowers that are inconspicuous, scentless, and lack nectar.

Pollen release is often synchronized with flowering; male and female structures may be on the same plant or on separate plants. Because wind is a relatively unreliable pollination agent, these plants invest in quantity over quality and have flowers exposed to the air, such as catkins or tassels, with stigmas that are highly branched or feathery to catch pollen.

Common wind-pollinated groups include many grasses (Poaceae) and various trees and shrubs such as oaks, birches, alders, hazels, and willows, as well as conifers like pines, spruces, and firs. Some cereal crops are largely wind-pollinated, including wheat, barley, and maize. In general, wind-pollinated species tend to have centralized pollen production, little or no nectar, and stigmas designed to maximize aerial capture.

Ecologically, wind pollination represents a strategy that does not rely on pollinators and can enable pollen transfer across open or fragmented habitats. However, it is less efficient per pollen grain and more susceptible to weather, atmospheric conditions, and habitat disturbance. Pollen dispersal can affect plant genetics over considerable distances and contribute to aeroallergen levels in human environments.

Human relevance includes allergy concerns and considerations for forestry and agriculture, where understanding pollen dynamics helps manage crop yields and ecosystem health.