Evergreen coniferous trees of dark coniferous forests. Evergreen coniferous trees: role in the past and present of the Earth Types of spruces successfully used in landscaping the site

Coniferous trees- the beauty all year round, their resistance to the change of seasons invariably attracts gardeners and landscape designers. For the most part, they are undemanding to growing conditions and care, endure and summer heat, and winter cold. In addition, at present there are many varieties of coniferous plants - trees and shrubs, it is not at all difficult to choose something suitable for this site.

Spruce

Spruce is a landscape classic, an evergreen tree that is appropriate for any site. Spruce will look great in quality central element, and as a background for other plants; in a single landing, in a group, in the form of a hedge. Currently, there are more than 40 species of spruces, including species of natural origin, and hybrid varieties. Many of the natural species have several ornamental varieties.

Spruce is a long-lived tree, in Sweden in national park spruce grows, whose age is 9550 years. This is a record figure even for spruces, whose average life expectancy is 200-500 years. The long-liver received his own name - Old Tikko.

Spruce grows slowly, in 10 years it grows only up to one and a half meters in height, but it grows for centuries. In nature, this tree can be seen in the forests of the Northern Hemisphere. The spruce forest is dark and dense, most often without undergrowth, consisting of beautiful, slender trees up to 30 meters high.

Spruce is a monoecious tree, the crown is cone-shaped or pyramidal, with a whorled, outstretched or drooping arrangement of branches.

The roots of young trees are taproot, but with age the main root dries up, it is replaced by numerous shoots that spread horizontally and shallow in the ground.

The bark is gray or brown-gray, with thin exfoliating plates. The needles are tetrahedral, short, sharp, green. Each needle grows separately, from a leaf cushion, which becomes noticeable after the needles fall off.

Cones are oblong and pointed, up to 15 cm long, 3-4 cm in diameter. They do not crumble, but fall off after the seeds ripen in the year of fertilization. Seeds - lionfish ripen in October, and fall out of the cones. At this time, the wind picks them up and carries them around. Once in favorable conditions, they germinate and give life to a new tree, their germination capacity lasts about 10 years.

In the photo, one of the representatives of the family is a dwarf Canadian gray spruce:

Cedar

Cedar is another coniferous tree that has numerous and attractive shapes for designers. Naturally, if it is a real cedar, and not a cedar pine. The cedar differs from other coniferous trees in the arrangement of needles, it is collected in bunches of 20-50 pieces, while in pines and spruces it is single. A similar fastening of needles is observed in larch, but its needles are soft, while in cedar it is prickly and hard, and does not fall off in autumn.

Cedar cones stand on branches, and do not hang down, like those of pines and firs. They are similar in shape to fir cones, but rounder. After ripening, they break into pieces, while the seeds are dispersed by the wind.

The shape of the crown is also unique. In the Lebanese cedar, it is wide, sprawling like an umbrella. The branches in it are arranged in tiers, the symmetry of which is not observed in all trees. The needles are green, gray-green, blue-green, the length of the needles is 3-4 cm, they are collected in bunches of 30-40 pieces.

Atlas cedar

Atlas cedar has a cone-shaped crown, which is similar to an ordinary spruce. His needles are also collected in bunches, it is very short - about 2.5 cm. In color - silver-gray, or blue-green.

There is even a weeping form of Atlas cedar, which, no doubt, will become a highlight of the landscape, especially if it is rocky. Japanese garden with a natural or artificial reservoir. See photo:

Atlas cedar

Its branches hang down just like a weeping willow, only instead of tender leaves there are prickly needles that look unusual, but quite gentle and attractive:

atlas cedar

himalayan cedar

Himalayan cedar - the owner of a wide cone-shaped crown with a blunt top and horizontally growing branches. But he also has hanging shoots, although a non-specialist will easily mistake him for a spruce tree of a slightly unusual shape:

himalayan cedar

The needles of the Himalayan cedar are light green, up to 4-5 cm long, growing in bunches.

Despite certain differences, cedars have a lot in common. All of them are evergreen trees growing to a height of 50-60 meters. At an early age they grow slowly, then they increase in growth faster.

The bark of young specimens is smooth, becoming scaly, cracking, dark gray in color with age.

Cypress

Cypress is a completely different matter, special kind in the family of evergreen conifers and shrubs. No wonder in the East he is considered the standard of harmony. This tree, with all its appearance, seems to indicate that it will not take up much space in your garden, and will not require special care. But not all cypresses are concise; among them there are shrubs with wide, sprawling crowns. This numerous family consists of 20 genera and 140 species.

Cypress prefers a warm climate. In the Northern Hemisphere, it can be seen in the tropical and subtropical zones, on the coasts of the Black and Mediterranean Seas. And also in the Himalayas, in the Sahara, and in China. In the Western Hemisphere, it grows in Central America, Mexico and the southern states of the USA.

The leaves of cypresses are small, at first they are needle-shaped, similar to needles, then they are scaly, tightly pressed to the branches. Cypress is a monoecious plant - male and female flowers appear on the same tree. Cones are ovoid or round, ripen in the second year after emergence, the seeds are flattened, with wings.

cypress evergreen

Evergreen cypress is a tree that can be seen on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and Crimea. Its height reaches 30 meters, the crown is narrow, columnar, with short branches raised up and pressed against the trunk. In culture, it has been grown since ancient times, it is a real long-liver, able to live for more than 2 thousand years. In Turkey, it is considered a tree of sorrow, and is planted in cemeteries. Pictured are evergreen cypresses:

cypress evergreen

Arizona cypress

Arizona cypress, native to the southwestern regions of the United States and Mexico. This is a fairly tall tree, up to 20 meters high with well-developed roots. Despite its southern origin, it endures frosts down to -25 degrees, but young trees must be covered with agrofiber for the winter.

Arizona cypress

large-fruited cypress

Large-fruited cypress has a columnar crown. But this feature occurs only in young specimens; with age, the branches become gentle, bend and form a wide, sprawling crown.

The needles of large-fruited cypress have a pleasant lemon smell, so it is readily grown in winter gardens, or in bonsai culture.

large-fruited cypress

weeping cypress

Weeping cypress - the owner of dangling branches. The plant comes from China, where it is often planted in cemeteries.

Cypress is also part of the Cypress family, and has 7 species that grow in the Northern Hemisphere. The plant is evergreen, monoecious, coniferous, with a cone-shaped crown. Branches growing upwards, or prostrate and drooping, the trunk is scaly, brown or brown. Under natural conditions, it grows up to 70 meters, in culture - up to 20-30 meters.

The leaves of the cypress are pointed, similar to small scales. Cones are not large, woody, round, up to 12 mm in diameter. Seeds ripen in the first year.

weeping cypress

Lawson's cypress

Lawson's cypress is a tall and slender tree with a narrow cone-shaped crown, expanding downwards. The top is tilted to the side. Trunk with thick, reddish-brown bark that becomes patchy and scaly over time. The needles are shiny, green, with whitish stripes. Cones are oval and rounded, about 1 cm in diameter, light brown, with a bluish-blue bloom.

In general, the tree is very beautiful, looks great in alleys and plantings along with cypress trees of other species, but, unfortunately, low frost resistance does not allow growing it in regions with harsh winters. In the photo, Lavson's cypress:

Lawson's cypress

Pea cypress

Pea-bearing cypress is a tall, up to 30 meters, tree with a cone-shaped crown, originally from Japan. Outwardly, from afar it looks like deciduous trees, but its needles are the same as those of all members of the family.

Pea cypress

Cryptomeria

Cryptomeria - the name of this evergreen tree is often written or pronounced along with the definition: "Japanese". And not without reason - the tree comes from the Japanese islands, is considered a symbol of the Land of the Rising Sun, and has a second name: Japanese cedar. Although it belongs to the Cypress family, it does not belong to the genus of cedars.

In nature, there is only one type of this plant, hybrid varieties based on it is not yet available either, although it has been known in culture since 1842. In Russia, it is grown in the Crimea and on the Caucasian coast of the Black Sea.

The tree is quite tall and fast growing, growing up to 70 meters. The crown is dense but narrow. The bark is fibrous, red-brown, the trunk is massive - up to 4 meters in diameter.

The needles are awl-shaped, more like rose thorns than needles, but longer up to 3 cm. The color of the needles is light green, but in winter it acquires a yellowish tint.

The tree is monoecious, male flowers grow from the axils of the shoots in bunches. Female solitary, located at the ends of the shoots. Cones are round, 2 cm in diameter, ripen in the first year, but fall off the next summer. Seeds with wings, about 5-6 mm long.

In the photo, Japanese cryptomeria:

Cryptomeria japonica

Larch

Larch is a deciduous tree of the Pine family. The leaves of this tree are very similar to needles, but in the fall they fall off, and in the spring they reappear, like those of deciduous trees, which is why it is called larch in Russia. In total, there are 20 species of this tree, 9 of them grow in Russia.

The tree is large, up to 50 meters high, and with a trunk diameter of about 1 meter. For a year, the growth is 1 meter, larch is a long-liver, able to live up to 400 years, but it is rarely used in culture.

Her crown is not dense, in young specimens it is cone-shaped, in areas with constant winds it can be one-sided, or flag-shaped. The root system is strong, branched, without a pronounced main root, but with numerous and deeply extending lateral processes.

The needles are soft, bright, on elongated shoots it grows spirally, and on short ones - in bunches, like a cedar. Falls off completely in autumn. The tree is monoecious with male and female flowers. Seeds develop in female cones, from 15-20 years.

From afar, larch can be mistaken for a sprawling beautiful spruce:

Larch

Microbiota

Microbiota - coniferous shrub cypress family. There is only one species of this plant - the microbiota is cross-pair, growing on Far East Russia. The number of the species is declining, due to the fact that the seeds cannot spread far from the parent bush, and perennial thickets are destroyed by forest fires, so the species is included in the Red Book of Russia.

This is a prostrate shrub, with thin creeping shoots, so it can be mistaken for a creeping form of arborvitae. The needles are scaly, green in summer and brown in winter, in young plants it is needle-shaped on shaded shoots. Cones are small, one-seeded, consist of 2-3 scales. The root system is uric, dense.

The microbiota grows very slowly, it produces only 2 cm of growth per year, but it is distinguished by longevity - it can grow in culture for more than 100 years. In general, the microbiota looks very appropriate in single and group plantations, therefore it is always in demand among gardeners. On the picture:

Microbiota

Juniper

Juniper is a dioecious, coniferous plant of the Cypress family, very common in the Northern Hemisphere. More than 70 species of this plant inhabit various climatic zones of the planet, some of which feel good in the Russian expanses, and can live up to 600 years.

Arborescent junipers are able to form separate forests, shrubs grow as an undergrowth or third tier in coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as on rocky slopes.

Juniper shrubs are creeping, with shoots about 1.5 meters long, but tree-like forms can reach 30 meters in height.

Juniper leaves are opposite, needle-shaped, oblong. In young specimens, they can be in the form of needles, in adult plants - scaly, pressed against the stems. The berries are cone-shaped, with tightly closed scales, each with 1 to 10 seeds that ripen for 2 years.

Juniper

Fir

Fir is a coniferous tree of the Pine family. Like the cedar, its cones grow upwards and disintegrate on the tree. Up to 50 species of fir grow in the Northern Hemisphere. The tree is powerful and tall - up to 60 meters, with a moderately spreading cone-shaped crown.

The bark of the trunk is gray, in different species it can be smooth and thin throughout its life, or thick and fissured.

In the photo, Korean fir cones:

The root is taproot, strong deepened. The needles are flat, with a pointed or rounded tip, located singly or spirally on the branches.

Cones are cylindrical, ripen in 1 summer, disintegrate in autumn, throwing out seeds with wings, carried by the wind.

1. Description
2. Popular types
3. Evergreen
4. Arizona
5. Mexican
6. Kashmiri
7. large-fruited
8. Wood
9. Landing
10. plant care

The genus of cypresses includes several dozen species of evergreen gymnosperms and shrubs. These are heat-loving plants common in the tropics and subtropics of the Northern Hemisphere: Central America, USA, North Africa, China, the Himalayas, the Mediterranean. In Russia, cypress trees grow on the Black Sea coast: in the Caucasus and in the Crimea. These conifers belong to the ancient relic species that have existed on the planet since the Tertiary period.

Description

In their natural environment, cypresses can reach a height of 35–40 m, various garden and hybrid varieties range from 2 to 10 m. Also dwarf, growing in room conditions. These trees are considered to be straight-stemmed and slender, but among them there are often patriarchs, gaining 5–6 m or more in girth. The lifespan of many of them is 400-500 years. The leaves of the trees are narrow and small, bright or dark green, needle-shaped at a young age, in adult specimens it becomes scaly and grows, in a tiled order, tightly adjacent to the branches. The leaves contain a large number of phytoncides and essential oils that repel harmful insects.

Cypresses are monoecious - male and female cones grow on the tree. Small in size, they have an ovoid or almost spherical shape, the scales are very dense, stiff. The seeds are slightly flattened and have light wings. The bark of cypress trees is reddish-brown or olive-gray, and tends to peel off in thin plates with age. Numerous shoots form a dense, often sprawling crown, but can also grow in different directions, giving the trees the appearance of columns, pyramids or giant skittles.

Among the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, cypress was considered a symbol of sadness. It was planted in cemeteries, and the branches were brought to the dwelling of the deceased or decorated with graves and tombs. For Christians and Muslims, on the contrary, this tree symbolizes life and immortality.

Popular types

Cypresses have outstanding decorative qualities and in the southern regions they are an integral part of most landscapes: they are planted in parks, gardens, alleys. These trees clean the air harmful impurities and salts of heavy metals and simply pleasing to the eye. Botanists have not come to a consensus as to whether some types of cypress belong to the same or different families. The reason is their isolation and difference in properties. In total, about 15–25 plant species are distinguished, combined into one genus of trees. Some of them are the most popular.

Evergreen

Other names are common cypress or Italian. Distributed in the south of Europe: in France, Spain, Italy, Greece, in Western Asia. AT wild nature grows up to 30 m, has a spreading wide crown of irregular shape, scaly leaves, bluish-green or bluish-green. The bark of young trees is light brown, turning gray at maturity. Breeding varieties are much lower, may have a pyramidal or columnar crown due to the peculiar direction of growth of the branches. Evergreen cypress can grow up to 1000 years, and it reaches full maturity only by 100 years. This tree is characterized by relative frost resistance - it can withstand cold down to -20 ° C, it can grow on poor stony soils at an altitude of 1300–2000 m above sea level.

Arizona

The homeland of this species is North America: the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is also popular on the Crimean peninsula and in Transcarpathia. Arizona cypress lives up to 500 years, grows up to 20 m. It tolerates frosts down to -25 ° C, winds and dry summer weather. The branches of the trees are spread horizontally, forming a wide pin-shaped crown. The leaves are dark green. The size of the cones is about 3 cm. With age, the bark of these trees turns from light gray to a brown-brown hue and begins to peel off the trunks in narrow strips. A characteristic feature is heavy wood, unlike other species.

Mexican

The Mexican, or Louisiana, species grows in Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States. Among cypresses, it is considered a giant, as it reaches a height of 40 m. The trunks are covered with dense reddish bark. The branches extend almost from the base of the trunk, are spread horizontally and form a wide pyramidal dark green crown resembling a tent. In old trees, shoots penetrate, the lower ones descend almost to ground level. cones small size- about 1.5–2 cm. Despite the outward mighty appearance, this cypress is afraid of frost. Needles and young shoots are used as raw materials for the production of aromatic substances.

Kashmiri

The tree is native to India and the Himalayas. One of the most graceful species, it stretches to a height of up to 45 m, while the trunk diameter remains about 70–80 cm. The crown is narrow pyramidal, the leaves have a bluish-green or bluish color. It has a high growth rate, tolerates drought and extreme heat well, but is not resistant to cold.

large-fruited

Grows in the southern states of the USA. Differs in high growth rates, thermophilic. The trunks of adult cypress trees in the wild stretch up to 20-25 m, the shoots are multi-branched, arranged horizontally. The shape of the crown in young trees is pyramidal, in mature trees it is sprawling and tent-shaped. A characteristic feature is the yellowish-green or golden hue of the leaves, emitting a light lemon scent. Large-fruited cypress got its name for the large size of the cones - about 4 cm in diameter.

Wood

Cypress wood belongs to sapwood, wide-layered, evenly dense, soft, technical properties reminds . The massif has a light brown color with a slightly pronounced natural pattern, it is well cut, sawn and polished. Cypress is not susceptible to mold damage, does not crack and does not warp from time to time. A good natural oiliness protects the fibers from moisture.

In the general industry, this lumber is not used because of the high cost and long maturation of the wood. Expensive high-quality furniture is made from cypress, used in shipbuilding, artistic design. Church accessories are cut out of the array, including rosaries, wooden crucifixes, icons are written on cypress boards.

Landing

For the temperate climate zone, cypresses remain exotic plants and are usually grown in greenhouses or on adjoining territories. For planting in gardens and home gardens, breeders have bred special compact varieties based on the most unpretentious and weather-resistant species. Arizona, for example, was taken to create decorative varieties: Compacta, Pyramidalis, Ashersoniana. These are cypresses of shrub forms, with a beautiful bluish tint of needles and crowns that tolerate shearing well.

On the basis of the evergreen species, dwarf varieties have been developed: Forlucelu, Montrosa, as well as the columnar Indica variety and the pyramidal Strikta.

If you wish, it is easy to grow a spectacular tree on your own. Important conditions for cypresses are:

• light drained soils;
• protection from strong winds;
• good illumination.

Plants propagate by seeds and cuttings. For landscaping the garden, it is optimal to purchase seedlings in a nursery, but you can try to germinate them yourself in containers or flower pots.

The soil should include turf, leaf soil, river sand and peat in equal parts. Before planting, any suitable drainage is laid on the bottom of the container, then the ground is covered and seeds are placed to a depth of 2 cm. The boxes should be placed on the sunny side, and the soil should be moistened regularly. After a few months, the seeds will sprout. Dwarf shrubs can be used as an element of home decor: in a room in pots, cypress trees look unusual and elegant, they purify and heal the air.

Planting of rooted cuttings or grown shoots is carried out in spring at a temperature of 13–15 ° C. A place in the garden must be chosen semi-shaded: direct sunlight is harmful to young cypresses, but they cannot be left completely without light. The best option- at some distance from walls, fences or tall trees. By placing the plant in open ground, it is important to ensure that fragile roots are not damaged. The pits for them should be spacious. When planting several trees between the Turks, a distance of about 1 m is observed. It is advisable to strengthen the seedlings with sticks.

plant care

In the first months, young cypresses need to be watered abundantly: a seedling needs a bucket of water a week. In dry weather, spraying is carried out. You need to feed the trees 2 times a month with complex fertilizers. With the onset of cold weather, seedlings will need additional protection: roots with needles or sawdust, in hard frost cover cypresses entirely.

After 3-4 years, the intensity of care is reduced: 2 top dressings per season are enough, watering the trees is required in case of severe drought.

Since cypresses grow rather quickly in the first years after planting, after 1-2 seasons you can begin to cut off their crown, giving the desired shape. Frozen and dried branches are removed in March, with the onset of heat they are cut completely. During the growing season, up to 30% of all greenery can be cut without damage to the tree.

Coniferous plants are one of the most popular plants in landscape gardening. Almost all coniferous plants- evergreen and retain their decorative effect and appearance all year round, and only some breeds shed their needles for the winter.

Most conifers are tall trees: spruce, pine, thuja, fir

Among conifers and evergreens, there are many plants growing in the form of shrubs:

• boxwood
• many types of junipers (Cossack juniper)
• mahonia holly
• laurel (Daphne)
• Fatsia Japanese
• aucuba (Aucuba)
• camellia
• Photinia (Photinia)

Conifers for hedges

Spruces, arborvitae, firs, cypresses are used by gardeners as an ideal backdrop for garden and park plants. A chic evergreen hedge (see more about hedge plants) will not only outline the boundaries of your garden, cover from prying eyes, but also hide landscape imperfections.

If the hedge plants are spruce, then after 3-4 years of regular shearing, you can get a dense green barrier that neither man nor animals can overcome.

With the help of several thujas or firs, the space of the garden can be zoned and its perception can be changed by planting plants taking into account the different shades of the color of the needles.

Without use additional materials you can organize a quiet nest for reflection, a Japanese-style garden, or maybe a regular English park. And all this will not lose its decorative effect all year round!

To make your garden look new every season, you only need to plant beautifully flowering perennials, annuals and bulbous flowers to coniferous and evergreen shrubs.

The combination of coniferous plants and roses is considered the most spectacular and noble, by the way, roses also belong to evergreens and have similar soil and care requirements as conifers.

boxwood

Topiary art - giving plants different shapes with the help of a haircut - is another facet of using coniferous evergreen trees and shrubs in the art of creating an ideal garden.

A variety of forms is far from all the advantages of conifers. Coniferous plants do not require special care and are rarely damaged by pests and diseases.

Healing air energizes us. Coniferous plants are decorative in summer, but they are especially beautiful in winter time years, when they create a pleasant contrast with deciduous forms of plants. Therefore, coniferous plants for the garden are an indispensable choice.

Due to their impressive size and the amazing color of the needles, compositions using coniferous plants will decorate any area.

Experiment, plant conifers - dwarf, slow-growing forms of spruces, pines, thujas and junipers in rocky gardens and on alpine hills. Rocky garden plants covered with juniper paws can grow comfortably even in the sun.

How to care for coniferous trees and shrubs?

Watering. Mostly young trees need watering. They are abundantly watered at least once a week at the rate of 15-20 liters of water per plant.

Coniferous trees need to be watered abundantly in autumn - evergreen crops often dry out in winter period not from the cold, but from lack of moisture. Drought-resistant species (for example, pines) do not need additional watering, and trees such as thuja suffer from a lack of moisture.

Sprinkling. All coniferous plants need sprinkling, especially in spring and summer. In dry weather, it is good to carry out sprinkling in the morning or evening. During the first year after planting conifers, it is carried out every other day. Thanks to sprinkling, the needles are cleared of dirt and dust.

Mulching – Prevents soil from drying out, limits weed growth and maintains proper soil temperature in the root zone. Softwood bark, peat and fallen leaves are used as mulching material.

How to choose the right place in the garden for a coniferous plant

Many conifers prefer areas protected from bright sun and cold winds, sufficiently moist soils and good drainage. Plant your coniferous plant in such a place, and it will fully reveal its decorative qualities. Most conifers overwinter better when placed in groups.

As tapeworms, coniferous plants that normally tolerate wintering in the open air are better suited. It can be pine, spruce, larch. Plant these conifers along with other ornamental evergreens and deciduous plants, and you'll create a warmer, more sheltered microclimate.

In Russia, dark coniferous forests occupy quite significant areas, in the European part and in Eastern Siberia - approximately 15 million hectares, with a total timber reserve of 2.6 billion m3. Coniferous tree species grow both in mountainous regions and on the plains. In dark coniferous forests, mainly evergreen, shade-tolerant coniferous trees grow, such as:

• Fir;
• Spruce (European or ordinary);
• Siberian Cedar Pine.

In these forests it is always gloomy, shady, humid. This is explained by the fact that in them low illumination and low warming of the underlying forest plants and soil is observed due to the densely folded crowns of these trees and the high density of the tree canopy.

The average temperature in dark coniferous forests in July, the warmest month, is slightly over 10 degrees. It is at this temperature that, firstly, in coniferous trees, the “ripening” of young shoots that appeared in the spring occurs; secondly, the formation of a tank-protective layer on the surface of the needles and branches, which is necessary for the wintering of these plants.

In dark coniferous forests, both pure stands and mixed species of coniferous trees with others are observed. hardwoods. For example, in the Carpathians and the Caucasus, Fir grows together with Beech; in Siberia - Fir and Siberian Cedar Pine; in the Far East - Korean Cedar Pine, Fir, Ash; on about. Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands - Fir along with Ayanskaya Spruce. Mountain fir forests are of great importance for water protection, climate control, soil protection and water control.

Fir

Pine family, common in the mountains, less often on the plains, from the Carpathians to Kuril Islands. This is an evergreen ornamental, coniferous pine tree of a dark coniferous forest. It has a straight trunk, the height of which reaches 80 (sometimes - 100 m), diameter - 0.5-2 m, a dense cone-shaped crown with whorled branching and inter-whorled shoots. At the ends of the shoots - developing buds, blunt or slightly pointed, greenish, reddish or brownish in color, in some species of Fir - resinous.

Numerous swellings (nodules) containing a fragrant, transparent gum are visible on the smooth bark of the plant.

Fir leaves are perennial, flat, linear, fragrant, non-thorny, dark green, shiny needles. At the top, the needles are slightly blunt, on its underside there are two oblong, white color stripes. Each strip contains 3-4 rows of stomata. Observations have shown that each needle can remain on a tree for 7-10 years. Fir blossoms in May.

In the lower part of the chrome, on the upper side of two-year-old shoots, in the axils of the needles, there are male spikelets (microstrobiles), solitary, oblong, with yellow or red anthers. The transfer of spikelet pollen even over long distances occurs due to the presence of two flying, air sacs in the pollen grains.

In the upper part of the crown, at the end of last year's shoot, there are seed female cones (megastrobili), solitary, green or reddish-violet. Inside the cone, scales are spirally arranged, covered with a protective layer of resin, in the axils of which the seed of the kidney sits in pairs. Ripe cones are erect, purple or brownish in color, oval or cylindrical. Seeds are winged, after ripening in the first year, in September-October they crumble along with scales.

Fir is propagated by seeds, vegetatively (cuttings and layering) - rarely. Fir is a shade-tolerant, moisture-loving, soil-demanding tree of the pine family: they should be light, sandy, loamy, rather moist, well fertilized. The plant does not tolerate air pollution by smoke and gas; very unstable to fire, so Fir forests are very affected by fires.

Various species of this plant have great importance in various industries industry and medicine. Turpentine is obtained from Fir resin, cones from needles - essential oil- Raw materials for medical camphor. AT traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases, an infusion of needles and a decoction of the kidneys are used.

As the main forest-forming species, it is used in construction, in the pulp and paper industry, and container production. As a beautiful ornamental plant, it is planted in gardens and parks of populated areas.

European spruce or common spruce

Evergreen coniferous tree, pine family. Distributed in the European part of Russia, in the Baltic States, Belarus, the Carpathians, in Asia and North America. They are graceful, slender, ornamental trees pine forests, whose height reaches 20-50 m, have a straight, large trunk, gradually thinning, to the very top. Covered with scaly red-brown bark. The crown is slender, dense, pyramidal, in which horizontally spaced or slightly drooping branches are observed, with ascending branches at the ends.

Since El is shade-tolerant plant, its lower branches are well preserved and can even take root. But, having a superficial root system, it is unstable and therefore, strong wind can turn out with roots. On the folds of the bark, which look like oblong pads, needles are located singly, spirally, which persist on the tree for up to 7-8 years. The needles are tetrahedral, prickly, pointed at the top; blooms in May. In a closed forest stand, it begins to "bloom" at the age of 25-30 years, in a rarefied one - from 10-15 years.

In the spring, male spikelets and female cones appear at the Spruce. Male spikelets (microstrobili) are greenish-yellow in color, located at the ends of last year's shoots. They consist of numerous scales spirally arranged on a stem. Each scale has two anthers with pollen grains. Each pollen grain has two air sacs, which increases its ability to fly. This coniferous pine tree is pollinated by the wind.

Female cones (megastrobili) are fusiform or ovoid, have a central axis on which scales are located along the edge - wavy, in the axils of which there are other scales containing two ovules. Cones before ripening are erect, purple in color, after ripening they are sagging, light brown, shiny, the length of which is 10-16 cm, diameter is 3-4 cm. Seeds are oblong, winged, ripen in the year of "spruce flowering" in October November, after which they completely sleep out (the scales do not crumble). Seed germination is good and lasts for 8-10 years.

Common spruce or European spruce propagates in nature - by seeds and vegetatively (by layering). In culture, mainly -, rarely - vegetatively (by cuttings and grafting of the apical shoot).

The soil for growing these conifers requires well-drained, fresh, loamy, clayey or sandy loam. This frost-resistant plant tolerates frosts of 40-55 degrees Celsius, suffers from both spring and autumn frosts, dry air, and gas pollution.

European spruce, common, is an important forest-forming species. On the territory of Russia, the area of ​​spruce forests exceeds 80 million hectares, the stock of timber is about 12 billion m3. Elastic, soft wood, it is used in construction, in furniture production, for paper making, musical instruments(altos, violins, double basses).

Rosin, tar, turpentine are extracted from the Spruce, oil for the preparation of drying oil from the seeds of cones, and tannins from the bark. Cone seeds are a favorite treat for squirrels. Spruce kidney decoction, fresh kidney syrup, resin ointment are used in folk medicine. As a beautiful ornamental plant, it is planted in gardens and parks, as well as in forest plantings.

Siberian Cedar Pine

Pine family, distributed in the north-eastern regions of Russia, in Western and Eastern Siberia, in North America. This is an evergreen, coniferous tree, the height of which is 40 m and the diameter of the trunk is 1.5-2 m. has whorled branching. The upper branches are raised up, candelabra-shaped.

On young branches and trunks, the bark is ash-silver in color, with brownish transverse lenticels. In adulthood, it becomes fissured, gray-brown in color. The needles are long (5-12 cm), soft, in bunches of 5 needles, in cross section- trihedral, dark green with a bluish bloom. It remains on the tree for 3-7 years.

In early spring, male spikelets and female cones appear on the branches of the Siberian Cedar pine. In the middle part of the crown are male spikelets (anther). At the ends of the upper shoots there are female cones, 2-3 at the top bud. Fruits only top part crown, the length of which is 1-1.5 m (rarely - 2 m).

Cones are ovoid, 6-13 cm long, 5-8 cm wide, light brown in color. The scales of the cones are tightly pressed with thickened shields. The cones contain from 80 to 140 brown seeds, 10-14 mm long and 6-10 mm wide. Seeds are mostly wingless, however, rarely found with a falling wing.

The Siberian Cedar Pine has a tap root system, with lateral, widely spread roots; blooms in June. In closed forest stands "bloom" starts from 40-50 years of age, in discharged - from 13-15 years of age. In the second year after flowering, seeds ripen in August, and in September there is a massive drop in cones.

In a fruitful year, one such large tree of the pine family can produce up to 10-15 thousand cones. Propagated in nature - samen, in culture - seeds, seedlings, seedlings, grafting. Siberian Cedar Pine, being a plant of a sharply continental climate, is frost-resistant. Photophilous in adulthood, can grow on different soils, but loves well-drained, light, loamy, deep loamy, podzolic soils. Cannot tolerate smoke pollution and replanting in adulthood.

Siberian Cedar Pine is the most important forest-forming and nut-bearing species. The total area of ​​forests, which it grows in Russia, is 40 million hectares, the timber reserve is 8 billion m3. The industrial collection of Pine nuts mainly takes place in the Urals, in Western and Eastern Siberia.

Pine nuts are a valuable food product - a source of pine nut oil. Resin is obtained from growing trees when cutting them. From needles - vitamin concentrates, coniferous pastes, coniferous flour. From soft, light, pinkish-yellow wood, pencils, furniture, musical instruments are made.

Siberian Cedar Pine is a very ornamental plant, thanks to its dense, golden, bluish, dark green needles. Therefore, it is planted in group or single plantings in gardens and parks in many countries of the world.

Sometimes, looking at evergreen coniferous trees, people think: why does a person have such a short age on earth? Intelligent creatures that can think, feel and create live on average 70-80 years, and ordinary trees live more than a thousand. Maybe someday dream about eternal life fulfilled, and then people can enjoy environment fully. Before that time comes, it's worth getting to know different types coniferous trees to decorate their summer cottage with them.

It is these evergreens that harmoniously fit into any landscape design. Their strict and refined forms stand out clearly on the green lawn in summer. And in cold weather, refresh Vacation home rich greenery and pleasant resinous aroma. Many gardeners grow evergreen beauties on their plots, because their diversity is truly impressive. They are tall and dwarf. Found in the form of a pyramid or cone. Therefore, the unforgettable landscape of coniferous trees remains in the hearts of grateful people forever. Let's take a closer look at the most popular types.

Among the huge number of coniferous centenarians, unique specimens are especially impressive: the Old Tikko spruce in Sweden (more than 9 thousand years), the Methuselah pine in the USA (about 5 thousand). In general, there are up to 20 such trees on the planet.

National favorite - spruce

Probably, there is no person on earth who has not heard about this tree. Many poems and songs have been written about him, pictures and fairy tales have been written. The plant is associated with various holidays, customs, and sometimes with bad omens. Because of this, the plant suffers from excessive felling, which brings a lot of grief to nature lovers.

Spruce is an evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the Pine family and can grow to a height of 35 meters. It has a pyramidal or triangular crown shape, ending with a sharp top. The branches are located along the entire trunk, so it is almost invisible from the side. They grow needles of a dark green color with a glossy shiny finish, which are much shorter than those of pine.

The tree is found almost everywhere in the vastness of the Northern Hemisphere. It is the main component of the Russian taiga, where it grows next to oak, pine, and hazel. In nature, there are about 50 species of spruce. Some of them successfully take root on lawns country houses. The following types are especially widely used.

Spruce roots are close to the soil surface, so a strong hurricane wind can knock it down. Therefore, the tree should not be planted near residential premises.

Acrocon

Spruce of this type is characterized by a wide conical crown with hanging branches. Considered slow growing. For 30 years it grows to a height of up to 4 meters. Plant diameter is about 3 m. Prefers shady places. Spruce tolerates cold temperatures very well. In the summer heat, it needs watering.

inverse

The tree has a columnar crown and falling weeping branches that, like a train, touch the ground. It grows up to a maximum of 8 meters. The diameter of an adult plant is about 2.5 m.

European Maxwelly

Dwarf shrub in the form of a wide cone. It tolerates winter frosts and shady places without problems. Grows up to a meter high. The diameter of an adult shrub is 2 m.

Glauca Globoza

The famous spruce stands out with needles blue color. Grows in height up to 2 meters. It is used in many countries to decorate urban and suburban landscapes. Due to the fact that the tree lends itself to shearing, original blue balls are made from it, which delight their fans all year round.

Fir - a tree with purple cones

An evergreen representative of the genus Pine. It differs from its close relatives in the features of needles:

• softness;
• shine;
• flat shape.

White stripes are visible on the underside of each needle, which gives the plant a festive look. The fir tree is decorated with purple cones, which is its main highlight. It grows slowly over 10 years, after which growth accelerates. Lives for about 400 years. Breeders have bred decorative varieties that are used to decorate urban and suburban areas.

Since the needles of the tree have healing properties, grow fir on suburban area- great idea. It helps in the fight against colds, sciatica and wound healing.

Columnaris

The tree has a straight trunk and a narrow crown resembling a column. Grows up to 10 meters. The dense branches are directed upwards, which gives the tree a majestic character.

prostrata

Such a fir is famous for its long branches stretched above the ground, which can reach 2.5 meters in length.

Argenta

The variety is characterized by original silvery needles, the tips of which are painted whitish. Every spring, luminescent yellow shoots come out of her buds. This unusual combination creates a stunning view on the site of a country house. And it lasts almost a whole month.

Nana

A dwarf tree that grows only up to 50 cm. The diameter of an adult plant is 1 m. The crown is rounded, slightly flattened. Works great in small areas.

majestic cedar

Since time immemorial, these trees have been considered a symbol of greatness. In their natural environment, they grow at an altitude of 3 km above sea level and resemble real giants. Grow up to 50 meters. They live for more than two centuries.

Despite its greatness, it unique tree, because it can decorate any garden landscape. If you plant it at the main entrance, an atmosphere of some kind of celebration is created. On spacious lawns - home comfort.

Some dwarf varieties are used to grow bonsai plants. To create original landscapes, species that differ are widely used:

• needle color;
• needle length;
• tree sizes.

picking up suitable look it is desirable to first get acquainted with the plant. For home growing the following varieties are used:

Mysterious larch

Many people think that if a tree is called larch, then it does not belong to coniferous species. Actually it is not. The plant is a representative of the Pine family, but unlike its relatives, it loses its needles in autumn.

Larch grows up to 50 m in height. In this case, the trunk reaches 1 m in diameter. The branches grow in a chaotic manner, with a barely noticeable slope. As a result, a crown is formed in the form of a cone. The needles are noticeably flattened, soft to the touch, bright green in color. In the natural environment, there are 14 different varieties. For garden design, the following types are used:

This diversity allows you to create magnificent landscapes on the territory of suburban areas.

majestic pine

Biologists have more than a hundred different varieties of such an evergreen plant. And hallmark- the number of needles on one bundle. A pine tree often grows up to a height of 50 meters. The straight trunk is covered with reddish-brown cracking bark. Long needles are located on the spreading branches of the tree and are distinguished by a rich aroma. Pine lives for about 600 years and perfectly tolerates cold and summer heat.

Pine planting should be done quickly, as its roots can dry out in a quarter of an hour. Such a plant does not take root in the new territory.

For garden decoration, breeders created original miniature views:

Without a doubt, such evergreen living decorations are suitable for creating landscape rock gardens or mixborders. In any case, pine can become calling card suburban area.

Her Majesty - thuja

An evergreen tree of this kind is almost always used to decorate city parks and green areas. Recently, this plant has been widely used to decorate home gardens. It is valued by gardeners for its ability to endure severe winter frosts, drought and high humidity.

The thuja tree is distinguished by lush branches on which scaly dark green leaves are located. Every year, the plant is covered with miniature cones that resemble scattered beads on green fabric. In addition to traditional forms, thujas are:

• dwarf;
• weeping;
• creeping.

Most often for design personal plot use seedlings called "Occidentalis". The tree can grow up to 7 m in height, and create a crown of about 2 m. Another species - "Cloth of Gold" - has a golden hue of needles. Fits well in shady places garden.

Medium-sized variety - "Columna" impresses with its needles of dark green coloring with a glossy sheen. It does not disappear even in winter, for which it is very much appreciated by lovers of green spaces. "Columna"

The compact type of thuja tree - "Holmstrup" has a conical shape, despite its height - 3 m. It tolerates cold winters wonderfully, lends itself to pruning and is used as a hedge. Another giant - "Smaragd" - grows up to approximately 4 m. The diameter of an adult tree is up to 1.5 m. The needles are juicy, dark green in color with a brilliant sheen. Such a beauty will surely decorate the country landscape of connoisseurs of greenery.

Having become better acquainted with the majestic conifers, it is easy to pick up suitable option. And let the suburban area turn into a green oasis of joy, where resistant coniferous trees grow.

Conifers in landscape design - video