The first method of seed dispersal is the wind. Almost everyone has seen plants gently swaying in the breeze. Actually, it is both beautiful and necessary. The seeds of some plants such as milkweed or the dreaded dandelion develop tiny, fluffy hairs that allow them to catch a breeze, take flight, and blow to a new location. Others, such as maple, ash and elm trees, develop seeds with wings or blades, commonly called helicopters, that propel them to their planting point.
Water is another means for seed dispersal.
Seeds that rely on water for movement include wetland and water plants such as cattails. Animals also help to scatter seed in a variety of ways. A bur in the fur is one. While foraging for food or just plain existing in the wild, animals brush up against hitchhiking seeds of plants like stickseed or tickseed sunflowers and unknowingly collect them in their fur. Ultimately the seeds or burs are dislodged when the animal moves on to another activity elsewhere.