Multiple cone scales arise along the length of the rachis in a helical fashion to give the cone most its mass and characteristic external appearance. Hence these scales are also called ovuliferous scales or seed scales. A smaller bract scale subtends and merges with the cone scale dorsal surface and is quite inconspicuous. The seed scale has two parts. The first is the umbo which is the first year's growth and distal most portion of the the two year old cone's scales.
Pine cones reach maturity in two years in almost all species.
The size and form of pine cones are important diagnostic features in species identification. They vary in length from approximately 4 to 6.5 cm. Being struck on the head by a falling Coulter pine cone is reputed to be a potentially fatal experience. The White Pine's cones have no prickle on the umbo and many of the Yellow Pine's cones do. Also, the White Pine's cones have a long slender peduncle and the Yellow Pine's cones have short stout peduncles.