Spruce Siberian needles. Siberian spruce: description, planting and care. Types of Siberian spruce
Siberian spruce is a species of coniferous evergreen plants of the Pine family.
Being the northernmost inhabitant of its species, this large tree grows throughout northern Europe (including Scandinavia), Siberia, up to Magadan. It is also found in northern Manchuria and the cold regions of Mongolia. This type of spruce is a forest-forming species for many Siberian regions. More often it is a companion breed in a mixed forest. Siberian spruce often forms a hybrid with the common spruce; this subspecies is called Finnish spruce. Due to the similarity of the genetic code, the ease in the formation of hybrids, sometimes Siberian spruce and common spruce are combined into one species.
Description
Siberian spruce grows up to 30 meters in height, trunk thickness - up to 70 cm in diameter. It grows well in high light areas. The crown is narrow-pyramidal or pyramidal in shape. Compared to European spruce, it has shortened needles, which are pungent. The needle lives on a branch from 8 to 10 years. Plants aged 15-50 years and older produce buds every 3-5 years. By this tree
cones are small, with wide rounded scales. Seeds in them ripen by the end of September, sometimes early frosts destroy them.
Chemical composition
Spruce needles contain an impressive amount of essential oil and phytoncides - volatile substances of bactericidal, prostitocidal (killing the simplest pathogens) and antifungal (antifungal) action, it also abounds in tannins, vitamins E and K, carotene, ascorbic acid, polyprenols, resins and micronutrients. There is also a lot of essential oil in the kidneys and cones - from 0.2%. There are also wood vinegar, bornyl acetate ester with a characteristic camphor smell, as well as salts of manganese, copper, aluminum, chromium, and iron. Gum, in addition to acetic acid, contains turpentine, turpentine and rosin. There is a lot of fatty oil in the seeds, and up to 14% of tannins (tanning agents) in the bark.
Medicinal properties
From time immemorial, the majestic forest beauty gives people health, protects against ailments and saves from wounds, being:
- antimicrobial;
- fungicidal;
- antiscorbutic;
- against rheumatic;
- anti-cold;
- painkillers;
- warming;
- hemostatic;
- diuretic;
- fixing;
- choleretic (increasing the flow of bile to 46.6% of the original, with an increase in the production of bilirubin);
- disinfectant.
Medicinal use
The use of any type of spruce is the same. Pine needles are a high-vitamin product, and have saved many people from scurvy. Young shoots, cones and needles are used to prepare infusions and decoctions. They are taken against prolonged colds, dropsy, skin rashes, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, asthma of any type. They make inhalations for colds and coughs. In the form of baths, adding salt, used for rheumatism, sciatica and hypothermia. A decoction of the kidneys and an infusion of young shoots on vodka are useful for pulmonary tuberculosis. From the resin, boiled with beeswax and lard, an effective ointment is obtained from furunculosis.
Gum (resin) is used fresh - for the treatment of bleeding wounds, in dry crushed - as a powder for ulcers, abscesses and weeping burns. It is distilled into turpentine to warm and relax muscles and ligaments. From a mixture of spruce resin and beeswax, a filler for aroma lamps is made - the smoke from the combustion of the mixture is treated for chronic bronchitis. By dry distillation, activated carbon is obtained from wood - an unsurpassed absorbent that helps with food poisoning and increased gas formation in the intestines.
The immature female (seed-containing) cones are used for medicinal purposes. Male cones are smaller and contain pollen. In order not to be mistaken, choose the largest and most beautiful. The collection is carried out in early autumn, until the cones open. For some recipes, young cones collected in June are used. The resin is harvested from June to September.
Recipes
A decoction of young cones or shoots (SARS, influenza, pneumonia, asthma):
Boil 30 g of spruce raw materials in 1 liter of milk for 20 minutes, then strain. Reception - three times a day.
Decoction of the bark (diarrhea, food poisoning, internal inflammation):
1 tbsp boil spruce bark fibers in half a liter of water for 10 - 15 minutes, let it brew until cool, drain the liquid. Drink a decoction as the uncomfortable sensations repeat, half a glass at a time.
Ointment (abscesses, abrasions, burns):
Take spruce resin, wax, honey and sunflower oil in equal volume proportions. Heat over low heat with constant stirring until smooth. When hot, filter, removing all large particles that can additionally injure the affected area.
Vitamin drink (avitaminosis, scurvy, colds):
Pour a handful of spruce needles with a glass of boiling water. Wait until it is brewed, remove the greasy film that forms on the surface with a spoon, add the juice of a whole lemon or orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a tablespoon of honey.
Bath infusion:
Boil spruce spruce branches with the addition of sea salt for 5-10 minutes. In a slightly cooled solution, add burdock root ground into gruel to create a soapy environment. Use for washing and rinsing the body between sweat sessions.
Pine needle syrup against cough, to reduce appetite and stimulate brain activity:
Fill a 0.5 l glass jar with needles from a forest tree (growing far from roads, industrial enterprises) by a quarter. Pour the remaining volume with liquid honey. Leave at room temperature for 3 weeks. Strain out the composition. For coughing, eat ½ tsp. 5-6 times a day. Against appetite, take ½ tsp. 5-10 minutes before meals. During preparation for exams, increased mental stress is eaten by 1 tsp. such
syrup per day.
A decoction of the kidneys for pain in the muscles and compounds, bronchitis, tuberculosis:
1 tbsp scald fresh tree buds with boiling water, pour 200 ml of water, boil for 20 minutes. Filter through 3 layers of gauze. Slightly cooled broth sweeten with honey. Drink the resulting volume during the day in several doses.
Spruce resin tincture for impotence:
1 tsp resin pour 0.5 liters of vodka, insist a week. Take 30 ml at bedtime. Course of treatment: 30 days of admission - 10 days of break - 30 days of admission.
Contraindications
People suffering from peptic ulcer or gastritis with high acidity of the stomach are deprived of the opportunity to take medicinal drugs from spruce orally. People with an individual reaction to the camphor smell or other individual components in the composition of the plant should avoid it altogether.
- Botanical description
- Places of distribution
- Application
- Reproduction methods
- Landing
- Features of care
Siberian spruce (lat. Picea obovata) outwardly resembles its closest relative, often forms hybrids with it. On closer examination, differences in the shape, length of needles, cones, and color of shoots are revealed.
Botanical description
Siberian spruce is the most frost-resistant species in the family. Most specimens easily tolerate prolonged cold below -45 ° C, successfully growing in regions with extremely low temperatures. These are straight-stemmed large slender trees 20–30 m tall.. The root system is branched, superficial, with underdeveloped central rods. The diameter of the trunks is 70–100 cm. The bark at a young age is light brown, thin. Over the years, it acquires a dark brown color, in the lower part of the trunks it becomes deeply furrowed. The upper layers are peeled off in thin plates. A distinctive feature of the species is short reddish hairs covering annual, non-lignified shoots.
The crowns of the trees are pyramidal, with clearly defined tops.. Due to severe frost damage to the skeletal branches, some specimens exhibit multi-apex. Lateral shoots are densely branched, starting low from the ground.
The needles are rigid, tetrahedral, 1.5–2 cm long, dark green, without stripes and veins. Many hybrid and transitional forms have bluish, bluish-green or golden needles.
The cones of the Siberian spruce are smaller than those of the common spruce: 5–6 cm long, wide, dark brown, with rounded scales. Ripen in September. Seeds are dark gray, about 4 mm, with thin light wings.
Siberian spruce is more demanding on soil composition than other northern trees. It is moisture- and light-requiring, sensitive to high gas pollution of the surrounding air. Life expectancy is 350–380 years. Fruiting of trees begins from 15–20 years. Forest specimens reach maturity later, by 25–30 years.
Places of distribution
In the wild, this type of spruce is common in the northern part of Europe, the Urals, Western and Eastern Siberia, in the Amur region, Mongolia and Northern China. In the valleys it forms pure forest plantations, adjacent to,. On the mountain slopes, the species grows singly, rarely rises above 450 m above sea level. Prefers well-moistened fertile soils.
In the north of the Far East, insular areas, continuous forest plantations are rare. In Kamchatka, Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, Siberian spruce is introduced; it does not occur in the natural environment.
Application
Siberian spruce belongs to slow-growing species, listed in the Red Book. Cutting is rarely done.
The wood is sapwood, long-grained, almost white in color, with distinct growth rings, contains little resin, and is relatively soft. It is used in the production of furniture, turning products, finishing materials, paper, cellulose, charcoal, alcohol, acetic acid.
Siberian spruce needles contain a valuable essential oil used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic industry, and traditional medicine. Biologically active substances have a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, help with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory organs, digestion, skin, and mucous membranes.
Siberian spruce - a valuable ornamental plant. It decorates parks, gardens, city streets. Thick needles emit phytoncides that purify the air from harmful microorganisms. The resinous aroma of firs improves mood. Being close to trees is useful for people suffering from infectious pathologies, nervous disorders, and a breakdown.
Reproduction methods
For planting on a personal plot, it is better to purchase seedlings in a nursery or try to root a lignified shoot of an adult tree. The cuttings must be at least 20 cm long. They are transplanted into open ground in June.
Landing
Spruce is a large freedom-loving tree. You can not plant it closer than 4 m from the walls of buildings, fences. Places with shallow groundwater will not work. You also need to avoid proximity to fruit plants.
Work should be carried out in autumn. Pits are prepared with a width and depth of about 1 m. The distance in group plantings is 3–4 m. Sand, peat, hardwood, superphosphate are added to heavy soil. High acidity is neutralized with lime.
20 cm of drainage are placed at the bottom of the pits, half covered with soil. The roots are positioned so that the neck is flush with the surface. You can not strongly compact the soil when planting. Immediately after placing in the ground, the tree is watered.
Features of care
It is necessary to feed spruce 1-2 times per season, introducing complex mineral supplements under the root. After the plant is recommended to be watered.
In the first 5 years, spruce must be moistened every week from April to September. Requires 10-15 liters of water. The exception is the period of heavy heavy rains.
Young shoots are sensitive to frost. If you want to keep the dense crown as much as possible in extreme cold, you need to wrap the trees in burlap.
Drying branches must be removed so as not to provoke the development of diseases.. To prevent fungal infections, you can sprinkle the branches with dry wood ash. Crown insecticides should be sprayed at least once a month.
Description of Siberian spruce, features of planting and care
Siberian spruce is unpretentious and able to endure harsh conditions. Plants are propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Botanical description
Spruce is a coniferous tree that grows in the northern part of Eurasia. It occurs in mixed forests in Western and Eastern Siberia to Altai and Mongolia.
Source: Depositphotos
Siberian spruce is grown in nurseries
The plant tolerates harsh conditions and extremely low temperatures down to -45 ° C. Spruce grows in regions with permafrost, demanding on the quality and moisture of the soil. The blue variety is listed in the Red Book.
The tree reaches a height of 30 m, trunk diameter - up to 70 cm. The crown is pyramidal, the bark is dark gray. The needles are short, prickly, bluish in color, arranged alternately.
Seeds ripen in cones at the end of September. Fruiting begins at the age of 15 and occurs in waves of 3-5 years.
Landing and care
In nature, spruce reproduces by seeds that are carried by the wind, animals and birds. At home, seeds are difficult to germinate. During the year, the tree grows by 10 cm. It is transferred to a permanent place after 7-8 years.
For landscaping cities or growing on the site, purchase cuttings or young trees. In the forest, select a tree 1-2 m high.
Plant your spruce in late fall when the risk of root rot is low. Spruce is able to grow in the shade, but develops faster in sunny areas. In nature, the plant prefers the banks of rivers. Spruce does not grow in wetlands due to root rot.
Boarding order:
- Dig a hole with a diameter equal to the circumference of the lower branches and a depth of 0.5 m.
- Pour drainage in the form of expanded clay or crushed bricks.
- Move the tree to the hole along with the earthen clod.
- Add 100 g of superphosphate to the soil, add sand to heavy soil.
- Cover the roots with earth and compact it.
- Water the tree generously.
Do not place spruce next to fruit crops. The root system of the tree is actively growing, so choose a place remote from the foundation of the house and communications.
Spruce care:
- Top dressing. In early spring, add 100 g of Kemira complex fertilizer to the soil.
- Pruning. In spring and autumn, remove dry and broken branches. Trim the shoots by 10 cm every 2 years.
- Watering in drought. Apply weekly 10-12 liters of water to the trunk circle of the tree.
- Shelter. Cover young plants with burlap. Mature plants tolerate winter frosts without shelter.
Spruce is suitable for landscaping urban areas and landscape design. The plant is planted in lighted areas or in partial shade, cared for by watering and pruning.
DARK CONIER FOREST FORMATIONS
These formations are widespread, occupying about 20% of the forest area. They consist of the following types of trees: European and Siberian spruce, Siberian fir and Siberian cedar.
European spruce, or common- Picea excelsa, or P. ables. A tree up to 40 m high and up to 1 m in diameter. The crown is dense, wide-conical, with a pointed apex, descending relatively low along the trunk. Branching is not strictly whorled, but the larger branches are almost whorled and grow from axillary buds near the apical. In addition to such branches, spruce always has smaller lateral ones, developing from buds located along the entire main shoot. Lateral branches of the first order are horizontal and only sometimes, older ones, drooping, with a top curving upwards. Branches of the first order (branches), even in large old trees, are relatively thin, flexible and strong. The trunk of a spruce up to 1/3 of the height of the tree is slightly tapered, approaches the shape of a cylinder, then gradually becomes thinner, turning to the top into a thin whip. The bark is thin, reddish-dark brown, exfoliates in saucer-shaped scales. It contains up to 7% high quality tannins and is a good tanning agent. The needles are relatively short, 2–3 cm long, stiff, pointed at the end, tetrahedral, rhombic or narrow rhombic in cross section, dark green, shiny. Stomata in the form of whitish thin strips are located on all faces. The needles are located singly, but very densely, so that they cover the stem that carries it. It is attached to the stem with leaf pads, which are especially visible after the needles have fallen off. On the main vertical shoots, the needles are located radially and relatively pressed against the stem, and it even closes the apical bud, pressing against it, sometimes twisting in a spiral. On the side shoots, the needles are located on both sides and on top of the shoot, the bottom of the stem remains open. Therefore, spruce branches, even large ones, have dorsiventral symmetry. On shaded lateral shoots, narrow-rhombic needles are located almost comb-like. The needles live from 6 to 12 years and fall off gradually.
Buds are ovate-conical, pointed, brownish, not covered with resin from the outside. Spruce buds open relatively late. Young shoots with light green, matte soft needles grow rapidly, their stem is soft at first and the young shoots hang down with their tips down, straightening as the stem becomes woody.
Spruce wood is white, sometimes with a yellowish tint, slightly shiny, retains its natural color for a long time. The sapwood is wide, the color does not differ from the sound part of the trunk. The wood is relatively soft and light, and is of great use for building purposes, and especially in the pulp and paper industry. Its fibers - tracheids have a length of about 3 mm.
Flowering in spruce occurs at the age of 15-20 years for trees growing in freedom, and 25-30 years for trees growing in the forest. It begins shortly after bud break, 1 - 2 weeks earlier than in pine.
Male "flowers" have the appearance of reddish-yellow ovoid cones up to 1.5 cm long, appearing from lateral buds on the shoots of the previous year, mainly in the middle and upper parts of the crown. There is a lot of pollen, it forms rapidly melting yellow clouds over the crowns of fir trees, then it settles in large quantities on the grass and moss cover or is carried by the wind over a long distance.
Female "inflorescences", larger upright cones up to 5 cm long, appear singly at the ends of last year's shoots, mainly in the upper part of the crown. Different trees have different colors; light green, pinkish green, bright red, maroon. The cone consists of a rod, around which rather large seed flakes are spirally arranged, with two ovules on the upper side; at the base of the seed scales on the underside there are narrow covering scales.
Regardless of whether pollination occurs or not, cones develop, their seed scales greatly increase, become hard-skinned, and the covering scales dry out, so they are invisible in a mature cone. After flowering, the cones hang down. Cones and seeds ripen in October. However, in autumn, the cones usually do not open, their scales are tightly pressed and the seeds do not fall out. Disclosure of cones, falling out of them and dispersal of seeds occurs in the period from January to April. Opening of cones is facilitated by dry frosty weather. The cones of European spruce are fusiform-cylindrical, 10-15 cm long and 3-4 cm thick, reddish-brown or light brown. The scales of the cones are hard-skinned, rhombic, with a serrated upper edge. The size and color of the cones, as well as the shape of the scales, individual trees of European spruce vary greatly. The location of female "inflorescences" and cones in the upper part of the crown contributes to better pollination and the spread of seeds in spruces that form a relatively dense canopy of dense crowns. Spruce does not bloom every year: years with medium flowering alternate with years of abundant flowering and seeding, and with years when there is no flowering at all. Parthenospermia in spruce is relatively rare, and, as a rule, all seeds have embryos.
Spruce seeds are ovoid, with a pointed tip, brown, evenly colored, dull, their length is 3-5 mm, the weight of 1000 seeds is 5-8 g. The seed wing is obovate, light brown, weakly attached to the seed and easily separated from it. The place of attachment of the wing to the seed looks like a spoon. When the seeds fall out of the cones, they acquire a rotational motion, and the wind carries them away from the mother tree. Seeds that have fallen on the snow crust, due to the fact that their wing does not lie tightly on the surface of the snow and are slightly raised, are carried by the wind over considerable distances. Spruce seed germination is well preserved for several years.
Spruce seeds germinate quickly. The hypocotyl knee brings to the surface the seed coat and the remains of the endosperm, which fall off as the cotyledons grow. Cotyledons 7 - 10, they are crescent-shaped, trihedral, with denticles on the inner edge and with stomata on the inner faces, they last 2 - 3 years. In the first two years, the needles are flat. The axillary buds that appear in the first and second year do not bloom and remain dormant. Only on the 3rd - 4th year, lateral shoots appear in young Christmas trees, which begin to branch.
The main root, which develops during seed germination, grows vertically for the first 2-3 years, then branches into several lateral, growing either horizontally or obliquely downwards. The main root is already invisible by the age of 10, strong lateral roots give a superficial root system. On deep soils, the lateral roots of spruce go to a considerable depth. At the base of the trunk, near the neck of the root, especially when it is covered with earth or when it is overgrown with moss, spruce easily gives adventitious roots, which reach considerable sizes and increase the root system.
The first 5 - 10 years the spruce grows relatively slowly, by the age of 10 it reaches a height of about 2m. After 10 years, its growth is significantly enhanced and, under favorable conditions, it is capable of producing growth of up to 70 cm in one year. If in the first years of life, spruce lags behind pine in growth, then by 30-40 years it catches up with pine, and on fertile soils it overtakes . European spruce is distinguished by its durability, the maximum age of its life is 300 years.
The lower branches of spruce, adjacent to the ground or to the moss cover, sometimes give adventitious roots, their tops, bending upwards, take on radial symmetry and begin to grow as an independent tree. Such natural layering is rare, but in the forest-tundra, on the Kola Peninsula, in Siberian spruce, this method of reproduction is often observed. In this case, the spruce takes on a dwarf form, without forming a trunk, but grows widely in the form of branches.
European spruce is widespread in Western Europe and the USSR. Its northeastern border is the southwestern coast of the White Sea, Kirov, the Southern Urals. In this part of the range, it occurs together with Siberian spruce and sometimes gives hybrid forms (Fig. 58). The southern border of European spruce coincides with the northern border of chernozem and runs in the following direction: north of Lvov and Kiev, to Chernigov, Bryansk, Tula, Ryazan, then descends to the south and again rises north to Gorky, crosses the Volga near Kazan, along the rivers Kama and Belaya goes to the Southern Urals at 53 ° N. sh.
Demanding soil and air moisture is the main reason that determines the southern border of spruce distribution. European spruce is undemanding to heat, but it is not quite cold-resistant. At a temperature of -40 °, her needles and even buds are damaged. She is also afraid of late spring morning frosts, which sometimes completely beat young shoots. Such frosts are very dangerous for young trees, the crowns of which are not higher than 4 m, since frosts occur only at the soil surface.
Spruce is one of the most shade-tolerant species, second only to fir in this respect. Its needles are very plastic, it easily changes its position on the shoot and the anatomical structure depending on the amount of light. The following are associated with shade tolerance: dense crown, slow removal of branches from the trunk, less rapid thinning of the stand, long preservation of live needles on the shoots, thinner bark. Spruce is renewed, giving a reliable undergrowth, both under the canopy of other more light-loving species, and under its own canopy with a small crown density.
With regard to soil fertility, spruce is not very demanding and belongs to mesotrophs. It does not tolerate significant dryness of the soil, as well as excessive stagnant moisture and sphagnum bogs. On soils with excessive but flowing moisture, spruce grows well, taking part, together with black alder, in the formation of forest grass-marsh associations. Its edaphic range is quite wide, but much smaller than that of pine: it does not grow in lichen and sphagnum types of habitat conditions.
European spruce is distinguished by a very wide range of variability, it is very close to Siberian spruce. Although the latter has its own extensive range, the ranges of these two species overlap for a considerable distance. These species are quite closely related to each other by a number of forms that have transitional features.
Spruce has climatic varieties that differ in the speed of growth, the nature of the needles, and the length of the growing season. But even within a small area in one population, under homogeneous soil and ground conditions, European spruce can observe many morphological forms - lususes: according to the shape of the branches - comb-shaped, flat, brush-like, compact; in the shape of the crown - narrow and wide-crowned; according to the color of the needles - dark green, bright green, yellowish green; according to the color of female cones ("flowers") - red and green cones; size, shape and color of cones and their scales; by the time of bud break - early and late buds, these differences reach two weeks, and therefore the latter are less damaged by late spring frosts. She also has sharp morphological deviations - aberrations: undersized, unbranched, weeping, with drooping branches (Fig. 59).
Siberian spruce- Picea obovata. According to morphological features, it differs little from European spruce. They can only be distinguished by the size of the cones and the shape of the scales. The cones of Siberian spruce are smaller, their length varies from 4 to 8 cm. The shape of the cones is ovoid-cylindrical, the scales are wide, rounded, entire (Fig. 60). In all other morphological features, Siberian spruce is very similar to European spruce.
Its distribution area is much larger than that of European spruce. The western border of the range coincides with the eastern border of European spruce. In the north, Siberian spruce occupies the Kola Peninsula, and its northern border coincides with the southern border of the tundra. Through the throat of the White Sea, it goes to Naryan-Mar, Salekhard, goes around the Gulf of Ob, to Dudinka and Norilsk, crosses the Khatanga River at 72 ° N. sh. (this is the northernmost distribution of spruce), then to the southeast, crosses the river. Lena at 67° N. sh. and goes to the Sea of Okhotsk at 59 ° N. sh. near Magadan. There is no Siberian spruce in Kamchatka. It is rare in the Far East and Eastern Siberia. In Western Siberia, in the Sayans and Altai, it is an ordinary tree in the dark coniferous taiga. The southern border in Western Siberia runs from Lake Zaisan, along the Katun River, north of Omsk, to Zlatoust in the Urals.
In terms of ecological properties, Siberian spruce is close to European spruce, but more cold-resistant; its range goes far to the north and in the mountains it grows in a more severe climate.
Occupying a very wide range with a diverse climate and range gaps in Eastern Siberia and the Far East, Siberian spruce has a number of ecotypes and even subspecies. Spruce growing in the southern part of the Far East stands out as an independent species - Korean spruce - Picea koraiensis, but it does not have significant morphological differences from Siberian spruce.
Siberian fir- Abies sibirica. A tree up to 30 m high and up to 50 cm in diameter. The crown is very dense, narrowly conical, with a pointed top, descends from free-standing trees to the base of the tree. Branching is not strictly whorled, the lateral branches of the first order are short, thin, flat, extending horizontally from the trunk, and the lower ones are bent, they are less strong than those of spruce. The trunk of Siberian fir up to 7h in height is slightly tapering, but not cylindrical, but slightly rounded-angular, then quickly thins, turning into a thin whip in the crown.
The bark is brownish-dark gray, smooth, if there are cracks in the lower part of the trunk, then they are rare and not deep. In the bark there are resin passages and clearly visible nodules in which the resin is located.
The needles are soft, flat, 2-3 cm long, blunt or notched at the top, grayish-dark green, light green below, dull, with two whitish stripes of stomata located on the underside of the needles. The needles are somewhat narrowed towards the base and directly attached to the stem, without leaf pads on the bark. It is located, like in spruce, singly: radially - on the main shoot, on the side shoots leans on top of each other. The needles live for a long time, 8 - 10 years. The buds are small, hemispherical or obovate, light, greenish-brown, covered with resin on top. They bloom relatively late (Fig. 61).
The wood is white, the sapwood does not differ from the heartwood, relatively soft, without resin passages, fragile, inferior to spruce in technical qualities. In addition, fir trunks are often damaged by heart rot, which greatly reduces the value of this tree.
Fir begins to bloom late: trees growing freely and on the edges - at 20 - 30 years old, in the forest - at 40 - 50 years old. Flowering occurs shortly after bud break. Male "flowers" look like ovoid cones, they appear from lateral buds on one-year shoots, just like in spruce, they are located only in the upper part of the crown. Female "inflorescences" are green or brownish, 1 - 2 hedgehogs long; their covering scales are much larger than the seed scales. They are located in the uppermost part of the crown, at a distance of 1 - 2 m from the top, while ripening, they retain their vertical position.
Cones and seeds in them ripen in the fall of the same year, at the end of the growing season. Mature cones are light brown, cylindrical, with a blunt top, 6 - 10 cm long and 2 - 4 cm thick, resinous. The scales of the cones are broadly wedge-shaped, rounded at the top with small teeth and a matte outer side, on which the covering scales are clearly visible.
After ripening in September - October, the cones become friable, the scales are separated from the rod that carries them and fall off along with the seeds, and the woody vertically standing rods remain on the branches.
The seeds are large, 0.5 - 0.8 cm long, obovate-wedge-shaped with blunt edges, light, brownish-yellow, the peel is soft, resinous, the wing is wedge-shaped, with a beveled top, the base covers the seed and fuses tightly with it. Weight of 1000 seeds 10 - 12g. Seeds lose their germination capacity quickly, only fresh ones are suitable for sowing, sometimes parthenospermia is observed. Shoots have 4 - 5 flat dark green cotyledons. At a young age, fir grows very slowly. In terms of durability, it is inferior to spruce. The root system is relatively deep, the lateral roots, along with the main one, are directed obliquely into the depth of the soil.
Fir can reproduce vegetatively - by layering: its lower branches, overgrown with moss or covered with litter, easily form adventitious roots, take root and give vertically growing shoots and trunks. In the formation of some fir forests, this method of reproduction, along with seed, is of great importance. In some cases, such rooted branches remain dorsiventral, grow, forming thickets of the shrub type, due to which a peculiar form of fir undergrowth arises. Siberian fir is relatively short-lived and lives for about 200 years.
It has a large area of natural distribution and takes part in the formation of forests: in the northeastern regions of the European part of the USSR, in Western Siberia. Its northern limit of distribution runs east of Vologda along the middle reaches of the Sev. Dvina, Mezen, Pechora to the lower reaches of the Ob, then goes to the upper reaches of the Aldan, east of Chita; the southern border is the middle course of the Sukhona, east of Kostroma, north of Kazan, further Izhevsk, Chelyabinsk, north of Novosibirsk, along the middle course of the Biya and Katun rivers (Fig. 62).
This tree is cold-resistant, but less than spruce, and therefore its northern border runs south. Young fir shoots are severely damaged by late spring frosts. It is also more demanding on air humidity. In relation to light, fir is one of the most shade-tolerant species. The indicators of its shade tolerance are: the long life span of the needles, the poor cleanability of the trunk from branches, the thin bark, the ability to renew under the canopy and even give undergrowth of the elfin type as a result of vegetative propagation. Fir is demanding on soil conditions; it grows on soils rich in mineral composition and with medium moisture content.
Siberian fir does not differ in great form diversity within the species. Occupying a vast range, it has ecological varieties, but its morphological forms are poorly expressed.
Close species to Siberian fir are: white fir - Abies nephrolepis, growing in the Far East, and Semenov's fir - Abies Semenowii, growing in the mountains of eastern Central Asia.
In the eastern regions of the USSR, fir grows as an admixture in spruce forests; in Western Siberia, Altai and the Sayan mountains, it prevails in dark coniferous forests, and in some places it gives pure fir forests. Just like spruce, it has a strong impact on the environment.
Having a soft, fragile wood, fir is little valued as a building material, but in areas where there is a shortage of valuable species, its wood finds a variety of uses. Canadian balsam is obtained from fir resin - a material for the optical industry; from needles - essential oil. In forest plantations, fir is almost never used due to slow growth, poor quality of wood and difficulty in collecting seeds.
Siberian cedar, Siberian cedar pine- Pinus sibirica. A large tree up to 35 m high and up to 1.5 m in diameter. The crown is dense, ovoid or cylindrical, the top is blunt; old trees often have 2 - 3 tops. In free-standing and edged trees, the crown falls relatively low.
Branching is strictly whorled, characteristic of all pines. The branches of the first order depart from the trunk at a right angle, then bend in an arcuate manner and their ends rise upwards.
The trunks are cylindrical, slightly running up to the crown, branching into thick branches in the crown.
The bark at a young age is light gray, thin, then becomes fissured, grayish-brown. The crust peels off in plates.
The needles are located on shortened shoots in bunches of five pieces. Relatively long, 5 - 10 cm, thin, hard, but not prickly, triangular in cross section; stomata in the form of light stripes are located only on the inner faces. Both on the main shoot and on the side shoots, the needles are located radially. Needles live 3-5 years and fall off with shortened shoots (Fig. 63).
Stems of annual shoots are pubescent with thick velvety brown fluff. With this pubescence, the cedar is well distinguished from other five-needle pines. The buds are large, up to 2 cm, ovate-cylindrical, with a pointed apex, bloom late, later than in Scots pine.
Cedar wood with yellowish-white sapwood and reddish-yellow heartwood, light, evenly built, fairly strong, easy to cut and work, makes a good material for pencil shells.
Cedar begins to bloom late: free-standing trees - at 20 - 25 years old, in the forest - at 50 years old. Blooms late, after bud break, later than Scotch pine. Years of abundant flowering and seeding are rare, after 5 - 7 years.
Male "flowers" are located in groups at the base of young shoots, and female "inflorescences" in the form of small purple cones - at the top of a young shoot near the lateral buds. Both male and female "flowers" are located only in the upper part of the crown. The structure of male "flowers" and female "inflorescences" is the same as in other pines. Cones and seeds ripen in autumn the next year after flowering. Mature cones are ovoid, light brown, 6-10 cm long and 5-7 cm thick, with woody scales. After ripening, the cones do not open, like those of pine and spruce, and do not disintegrate on the tree, like those of fir, but become loose and fall from the tree unopened.
Seeds - "pine nuts" - large, 0.8 - 1.2 cm long, obliquely obovate, dark brown, with a completely reduced wing, one side is matte, the other side is glossy from the adherent remnant of the wing. Parthenospermia in cedar seeds is rare. Seeds lose their germination capacity quickly, sprout slowly and unfriendly. Some of the seeds germinate only in the second year after sowing. Cedar seeds are distributed only by animals. Birds and rodents that feed on cedar seeds take away the cones and drop them, bringing certain benefits.
In the first years, seedlings of cedar have a subcotyledon, 10 (sometimes 9 - 12) large crescent-curved cotyledons and a bud, in the second year a short shoot appears, bearing single flat needles and several shortened shoots with trihedral needles. Under natural conditions, seedlings are very often arranged in groups of several pieces, since the seeds germinate in cones lying on the ground (Fig. 64).
The cedar grows slowly for the first 10 years, then its growth increases to 50 cm per year. It does not reproduce vegetatively, but gives adventitious roots, which, under certain conditions, significantly strengthen the root system of the tree. Siberian cedar is a durable tree, lives up to 400 years.
The range of the Siberian stone pine largely coincides with the range of the Siberian fir. The northern limit of its distribution is the upper and middle reaches of the Pechora, the lower reaches of the Ob and Yenisei, the upper reaches of the Aldan; along this stretch, the border of the distribution of Siberian pine passes north of the border of the distribution of fir; in the southern part, the boundaries of the ranges of these two tree species coincide (Fig. 65). Siberian cedar is a cold-resistant tree that is not damaged by either winter cold or late spring frosts. Demanding on air humidity. In relation to the light, the cedar is much more shade-tolerant than the pine, its dense crowns give a dark canopy, the needles live for a long time; under the canopy, the regeneration is successful and gives a reliable undergrowth, although slowly growing. It is not particularly demanding on the richness of the soil and puts up with stony soils in the mountains, tolerates excessive moisture, both flowing and stagnant, grows even on sphagnum bogs and on sandy, not very dry soils. The Siberian cedar does not differ in great form diversity in vegetative organs, but the amplitude of variation in the shape of its cones is large, even within the same population.
European cedar- Pinus cembra. Distributed in the mountain forests of Western Europe, it is a close species to the Siberian pine and can be considered as a subspecies that differs only ecologically and has a separate range. In the USSR, it grows in the mountain forests of Western Ukraine.
Siberian and European cedars form dark coniferous forests together with spruce and fir, less often with larch and pine. In Western Siberia, in the Altai and in the Sayans, they often form pure cedar forests or forests with a predominance of cedar. Its natural renewal in forested areas is going well, but in cleared areas and burnt areas, as a result of the slow spread of seeds, renewal is delayed.
In addition to valuable timber, cedar pines are of great practical interest, like walnut trees. Pine "nuts", containing about 50% oil, are distinguished by good taste. From 1 ha, the average yield of nuts is about 50 kg. These species deserve wide cultivation both in forest cultures and in landscaping.
Spruce (Picea) is a tall, slender, monoecious tree with a dense pyramidal crown. The bark on young plants is gray with a red-brown tint, rough, on old plants it is thin, flaky in small oval pieces.
The description of spruce is similar to the description of most members of the Pine family. Branching is indistinctly whorled, rather irregular, in contrast. Resin-free kidneys. The needles are located spirally, flat or, on shaded shoots. The needles are sharp, often tetrahedral with stomatal stripes on all sides, less often flat, with 2 white stripes on the underside, adheres to the shoot and, falling off, leaves a narrow outgrowth - a pillow. The pillows are separated by noticeable grooves. Needles usually last 7-9 years.
Male cones sit in the axils of the needles on the shoots of last year. hanging down, with wide, narrowed to the base seed scales and small coverts, first pour out the seeds, then fall by themselves. Seeds are oval, with a large, easily falling wing. They ripen in the first year.
Spruce species
The genus contains about 45 spruce species. Mostly, these plants are distributed in the north, in the mountains and on the plains of the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. The center of species diversity in the mountains of central and western China. The most famous types of spruce: Siberian, black, Sikhtinsky and rough.
Agricultural technology. In general, quite undemanding trees, enduring both the sun and shading. They grow well even on poor loamy soils, are moderately drought-resistant, some species tolerate slight waterlogging (prickly spruce).
Spruce use. The species of this plant are durable, relatively unpretentious. Trees are widely planted in forest belts, hedges, parks and urban landscaping (prickly spruce). Many varietal forms of different formats allow them to be used in any wood compositions, in flower beds, rock gardens, rockeries.
Spruce Brewera
Brewera spruce (Picea breweriana) is a tall tree reaching 20-30 m in nature. Skeletal branches are widely spread. Characterized by long dangling branches of the second order, reaching 2.5 m in length.
The needles are strongly splayed, radially arranged, almost flat, obtuse, 15-30 mm long, convex above, green, below with two white stomatal stripes. Cones are narrow 6-12 cm long, young ones are green. Scales with a smooth edge.
It occurs naturally in North America in the mountains on the border of the states of California and Oregon. In culture since 1893. Rare for sale, although it is considered one of the most beautiful firs.
Several varieties are known. We don't meet.
spruce glen
The Glen spruce (Picea glehnii) is a tall tree, reaching 40-50 m in height in good conditions. In culture at 36 years old - 13 m tall (Moscow), at 50 years old - 16 m (St. Petersburg).
The crown is dense, pyramidal. The bark is chocolate brown, lamellar. Young shoots are orange, with pubescence, needle pads up to 1 mm long.
The needles are tetrahedral, slightly flattened, 6-12 (15) mm long, slightly curved, obtuse, green or bluish-green, with 2 white stripes on the underside, located flat. Cones 3.5-8.5 x 2-3.8 cm, young purple.
Homeland - the south of Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, Japan. Forms forests in wetlands. In culture since 1877
Quite winter hardy. In the Red Book of Russia.
Spruce bicolor
Two-color spruce (Picea bicolor, P. alcoquiana) looks similar to Norway spruce. In culture, at 38 years old, it reaches 5.5 m in height (St. Petersburg). The bark is light gray, lamellar.
The needles are tetrahedral, 10-20 x 1 mm, somewhat curved, sharp, dark, on the lower faces with noticeable light stomatal stripes. Located flat. Cones 6-12 x 4.5, unripe - reddish-purple. Mature scales are brownish, leathery with a smooth or serrated and recurved edge. The birthplace of the mountains of Japan. In culture since 1861
In culture and sale is extremely rare.
Several varieties are known:
Spruce variety ‘Howell’s Dwarf’(‘Howell’s Tigertail’, P. jezoensis ‘Howell’s Dwarf’) (1985, USA). Slow growing, dwarf variety, reaching 3 m in height with age. The crown can be wide pyramidal while maintaining the central leader. Often, all leading shoots are cut off, getting a wide vase-shaped shape or in the form of a mop with a flat top. The needles are clearly bicolor, with bright silvery stripes. Forms well, reddish-purple buds.
Spruce variety ‘Prostrata’. Dwarf. At 10 years old, height 0.3 m, width 0.4 m. The crown is cushion-shaped, very dense and neat. The needles are grayish-green with a bluish underside.
El Mariorica
Spruce Mariorika (Picea x mariorika) is a hybrid of black and Serbian spruce. Tree up to 30 m tall. The crown is broadly conical, wider than that of a typical.
Branches spaced, relatively short. The needles are flat, keeled on both sides, 2-10 mm long and 2 mm wide, bluish-green above, with white stomatal stripes below. Cones 3.5-4.5 cm long, young purple, with rounded, slightly serrated scales.
Received around 1925 in Germany.
Several varieties are known:
‘Machala’(1971, Czech Republic). Dwarf. Height up to 0.3 (0.5) m, width - up to 1 m. Cushion-shaped crown. The branches are spreading in the center, raised, dense. The needles are 10-15 mm long, narrow, hard and very sharp. The origin of the variety has not been fully clarified, there are opinions that in its pedigree it is not Serbian spruce, but Jez (Mr. Machala - originator) or Sitka (Kryussman).
Siberian spruce
Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) is a coniferous tree up to 30 (35) m tall. The crown is narrow-pyramidal, low. The bark is grey, cracking. Young shoots are light brown, slightly pubescent. The needles are tetrahedral, 8-29 mm long, shortly pointed, green, shiny. Cones 5-6 x 4 cm, brown, with convex, rounded scales.
Photo of Siberian spruce
If the Siberian lives in the north of Europe, in the Volga region, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Northern China. Needs like that of a related European spruce, grows somewhat more slowly.
The photo of the Siberian spruce presented in the photo gallery clearly shows that the needles of this species are much shorter than those of other spruce species, and the cones are smaller and do not have a bluish tint.
Seed production in trees begins depending on the area of growth (from 15-50 years). Harvest years are repeated at intervals of 3-5 years.
Siberian spruce plays an important role in the timber industry in Russia.
Sitka spruce
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) in nature reaches 90 m in height. In culture at 36 years old, height 20 m (Moscow). The crown is wide. The bark is scaly, gray or brownish-gray. Shoots are light brown, glabrous. Needles 15-18 (28) x 1 mm, straight, flat, prickly, green above and silver below. Cone 6-10 x 2.5-3 cm, yellowish-green before maturation. Mature scales are thin, brown, with an uneven edge. Homeland - the western coast of North America. In culture since 1831 Winter hardiness is high.
About a dozen varieties of Sitka spruce have been registered:
'Papoose'(circa 1964, USA). Dwarf. The annual growth is 4 cm. By the age of 10, it reaches 0.6 m in height. The crown is rounded, dense and even, with age it forms a central leader and becomes pyramidal. Young shoots are light, hanging in tassels. The bicolor needles are well expressed. Found as a seedling, another seedling found at the same time was named ‘Tenas’. The differences between them are unclear, often these names are considered synonymous.
Spruce variety ‘Siberzwerg’(circa 1972, Germany). Dwarf. The crown is rounded, dense. Generally similar to 'Papoose', but with a brighter blue coloration. Witch's broom.
Spruce black and her photo
Black spruce (Picea mariana) reaches a height of 20-30 m. In a culture of 10 years, about 3 m (Moscow). Grows slowly. The crown is narrow, the bark is grayish or reddish brown, scaly. Twigs are reddish-brown with dense, rusty pubescence.
The needles are tetrahedral, 6-12 (8) x 0.7 mm, blue-green, very dense. Cones 2-3.5 x 1.5-1.8 cm purplish-brown before maturation. Mature scales are brown, thin, wavy, serrated along the edge, remain on the tree for a long time.
Black spruce is native to the forest zone of North America. The photo shows that black spruce prefers to settle in clean stands. Sometimes there are mixed landings.
It is very winter-hardy, not demanding on soils and climate, therefore it is widely distributed in permafrost areas. Can grow in wet lowlands and sphang bogs.
Black spruce is a symbol of the provinces of Labrador and Newfoundland (Canada). In culture since 1700
Spruce black "Nana"
Less than 6-7 varieties of this species have been registered. In Russia, only one is common - the black spruce “Nana” (‘Nana’), bred in 1884. This is a dwarf form with a flat, cushion-shaped crown. The needles are bluish-green, short.
grungy spruce
Rough spruce (Picea asperata) - a tall tree up to 25-45 m with a grayish-brown, lamellar bark. The branches are horizontal with raised ends. Young shoots are orange to light brown, glabrous or pubescent. Kidneys are large, up to 15 mm long.
Needles 10-15 (rarely - 20) mm long, up to 1.8 mm wide, tetrahedral, straight and curved, grayish-green or bluish, hard and sharp, thick and brush-like on the main shoots, radial on the lateral ones. Cones are cylindrical, 5-15 x 2.5-4 cm, red-brown. The scales are rigid, with a rounded entire or slightly serrated edge.
In nature, rough spruce is found in the mountains of Western China at an altitude of 2700-3500 m. It was introduced in 1910.
Grows slower than regular spruce. Quite winter hardy.
El Engelman
Engelman spruce (Picea engelmanii) in nature grows up to 30-50 m. The crown is often asymmetrical, the branches are drooping. The bark is reddish-brown, scaly. Shoots are yellowish with rusty pubescence.
The needles are 15-25 mm long and 1.5-2 mm thick, tetrahedral, sharp, bluish-green or simply bluish. Cones 4-7 x 2.5 cm, purple before ripening. Mature scales are light brown, thin, flexible, with a serrated edge, loosely arranged. Found in North America, in the Rocky Mountains. In cultivation since 1863, it has been grown less frequently than similar prickly spruce.
Several varieties of Engelman spruce are known:
'Snake'. Tall tree. A curious variety reminiscent of ‘Virgata’ is a variety of Norway spruce. Skeletal branches, raised or prostrate, winding, almost no branching and growing at the top. Gray needles. Rare.
