Evergreen coniferous trees. Evergreen coniferous trees and shrubs
In Russia, dark coniferous forests occupy quite significant areas, in the European part and Eastern Siberia - approximately 15 million hectares, with a total timber reserve of 2.6 billion m3. Coniferous trees grow both in mountainous regions and on plains. In dark coniferous forests, mainly evergreen, shade-tolerant coniferous trees grow, such as:
- Fir;
- Spruce (European or common);
- Cedar Pine Siberian.
These forests are always gloomy, shady, and humid. This is explained by the fact that they have low illumination and low heating of the underlying forest plants and soil is observed due to the densely packed 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 above 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, necessary for the wintering of these plants.
In dark coniferous forests there are both pure stands of trees and mixed species coniferous species trees with other deciduous species. For example, in the Carpathians and the Caucasus, Fir grows together with Beech; in Siberia - Fir and Siberian Cedar Pine; on Far East– Korean Cedar Pine, Fir, Ash; on o. Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands - Fir together with Ayanskaya Spruce. Mountain fir forests are of great water-protection, climate-regulating, soil-protecting and water-regulating importance.
Fir
The pine family is widespread in the mountains, less often on the plains, from the Carpathians to the Kuril Islands. This is an evergreen ornamental, coniferous pine tree of the 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 interwhorled shoots. At the ends of the shoots - developing buds, blunt or slightly pointed, greenish, reddish or brownish in color, in some types of Fir - resinous.
On the smooth bark of the plant, numerous swellings (nodules) containing fragrant, transparent resin are visible.
Fir leaves are perennial, flat, linear, fragrant, non-thorny, dark green, shiny needles. At the top the needles are slightly blunt, on its lower side there are two oblong, white stripes. Each strip has 3-4 rows of stomata. Observations have shown that each needle can survive on a tree for 7-10 years. Fir blooms in May.
In the lower part of the edge, on the upper side of two-year-old shoots, in the axils of the needles, there are male spikelets (microstrobiles), single, 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 pollen grains.
In the upper part of the crown, at the end of last year's shoot, there are female seed cones (megastrobiles), single, green or reddish-violet. Inside the cone there are spirally arranged scales covered protective layer resins, in the axils of which the bud seeds sit in pairs. Ripe cones are erect, purple or brownish in color, oval or cylindrical. The winged seeds, after ripening in the first year, scatter along with the scales in September-October.
Fir reproduces by seeds, rarely vegetatively (cuttings and layering). Fir is a shade-tolerant, moisture-loving tree of the pine family that is demanding on soils: they should be light, sandy loam, loamy, fairly moist, well fertilized. The plant does not tolerate air pollution from smoke and gas; very unstable to fire, so fir forests suffer greatly from fires.
Various species of this plant have great importance V various industries industry and medicine. Turpentine is obtained from fir resin, and from cone needles - essential oil– raw materials for the production of medicinal camphor. IN folk medicine Infusion of pine needles and decoction of buds are used to treat various diseases.
As the main forest-forming species, it is used in construction, in the pulp and paper industry, and in container production. How beautiful ornamental plant, they plant it in gardens and parks of populated areas.
European or common spruce
Evergreen coniferous tree, pine family. Distributed in the European part of Russia, the Baltic states, Belarus, the Carpathians, Asia and North America. These are graceful, slender, decorative trees of the pine forest, the height of which reaches 20-50 m, have a straight, large trunk, gradually thinning to the very top. Covered with red scaly bark Brown. The crown is slender, dense, pyramidal, with horizontally spaced or slightly drooping branches, with rising 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 not very stable and therefore can be uprooted by a strong wind. On the folds of the bark, which look like oblong pads, needles are located singly and spirally, which remain on the tree for up to 7-8 years. The needles are tetrahedral, prickly, pointed at the apex; "blooms" in May. In a closed forest stand it begins to “bloom” at the age of 25-30 years, in a sparse stand - from 10-15 years.
In spring, Spruce produces male spikelets and female cones. Male spikelets (microstrobiles) are greenish-yellow in color, located at the ends of last year's shoots. They consist of numerous scales arranged spirally on a rod. Each scale has two anthers containing pollen grains. Each pollen grain has two air sacs, which increases its flight properties. This coniferous pine tree is pollinated by the wind.
Female cones (megastrobiles) 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. The cones before ripening are erect, purple in color, after ripening they are sagging, light brown in color, shiny, the length of which is 10-16 cm, diameter - 3-4 cm. The seeds are oblong, winged, ripen in the year of “Spruce flowering” in October- November, after which they completely fall asleep (the scales do not crumble). Seed germination is good and lasts for 8-10 years.
Common or European spruce reproduces in nature - by seeds and vegetatively (by layering). In culture, mainly - rarely - vegetatively (by cuttings and grafting of apical shoots).
The soil for growing these coniferous trees requires well-drained, fresh, loamy, clay 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 spruce, is an important forest-forming species. On the territory of Russia, the area of spruce forests exceeds 80 million hectares, the timber reserve is about 12 billion m3. Its elastic, soft wood is used in construction, furniture production, for paper making, musical instruments(violas, violins, double basses).
Rosin, tar, and turpentine are extracted from Spruce; oil for making drying oil is obtained from the seeds of cones; tannins are obtained from the bark. Cone seeds are a favorite treat for squirrels. A decoction of Spruce buds, syrup from fresh buds, and ointment from oleoresin are used in folk medicine. As a beautiful ornamental plant, it is planted in gardens and parks, as well as in forest protection plantings.
Cedar Pine Siberian
The pine family is widespread in the northeastern regions of Russia, Western and Eastern Siberia, and 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. Young pine trees have a sharp-pyramidal crown, in adults it is multi-vertexed, wide-spreading; has whorled branching. The upper branches are raised upward, candelabra-shaped.
On young branches and trunks, the bark is ash-silver in color, with transverse lentils of a brownish color. In adulthood it becomes fissured and gray-brown in color. The needles are long (5-12 cm), soft, in bunches of 5 needles, triangular in cross section, 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 there are male spikelets (anthers). At the ends of the upper shoots there are female cones, 2-3 at the apical bud. Only bears fruit top part crown, the length of which is 1-1.5 m (rarely 2 m).
The 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 scutes. The cones contain from 80 to 140 brown seeds, the length of which is 10-14 mm, width - 6-10 mm. The seeds are mostly wingless, however, they are rarely found with a falling wing.
Siberian Cedar Pine has a tap-type root system, with lateral, widely spread roots; “blooms” in June. In closed stands it begins to “bloom” at the age of 40-50 years, in sparse stands - at the age of 13-15 years. In the second year after flowering, the seeds ripen in August, and a massive fall of cones occurs in September.
IN good year One such large tree of the pine family can yield up to 10-15 thousand cones. It propagates in nature - by seeds, in culture - by seeds, seedlings, saplings, graftings. Cedar Pine Siberian, being a plant of a sharply continental climate, is frost-hardy. Photophilous in adulthood, can grow up to different soils, but likes well-drained, light, loamy, deep loamy, podzolic soils. Cannot tolerate air pollution from smoke and replanting in adulthood.
Siberian Cedar Pine is the most important forest-forming and nut-bearing species. total area The forests that it grows in Russia are 40 million hectares, the timber reserve is 8 billion m3. Industrial collection of pine nuts mainly occurs in the Urals, Western and Eastern Siberia.
Pine nuts - valuable food product– source of cedar oil. Resin is obtained from growing trees when they are cut. From pine needles - vitamin concentrates, pine pastes, pine flour. The soft, light, pinkish-yellow wood is used to make pencils, furniture, and musical instruments.
Cedar Siberian Pine is a very ornamental plant, thanks to its thick, golden, bluish, dark green needles. Therefore, it is planted in group or single plantings in gardens and parks in many countries around the world.
Coniferous trees include almost all of their species, the seeds of which ripen in cones. Contrary to popular belief, evergreens grow not only in our latitudes, but also in tropical countries.
In terms of their distribution area, they can easily compete even with forests South America. There are about 800 species in total, many of which date back to dinosaurs. Most modern conifers are trees, but many shrubby forms are found.
In taiga biotopes, it is coniferous species (as the most hardy) that make up most local flora.
As we have already said, almost all evergreen conifers form cones, although junipers reproduce with the help of berries. They got their name due to the fact that they do not have a seasonal change of foliage cover: the needles are gradually renewed all year round throughout life cycle tree.
It is this circumstance, as well as the fact of the presence of shrub forms, that made them extremely popular among landscape designers.
It was from coniferous trees that many palaces and castles were created, distinguished by their stunning appearance. In addition, all their types emit many phytoncides that effectively purify the air. Unfortunately, evergreen coniferous trees cannot be used for landscaping cities, because they do not tolerate smog.
Along with ferns, these plants are among the most ancient. Thus, coal seams largely consist of petrified wood of coniferous trees.
Now let's look at some of their particularly outstanding varieties.
The evergreen sequoia can reach a height of 115.2 meters (the same as a 45-story house) and grow for more than one millennium. But all evergreen conifers look like just "weeds" in front of some of the currently growing specimens of this tree. It is assumed that some of the currently growing specimens of this tree are over 3000 years old! But even this is not a record.
Even these achievements pale when you look at the Long-lived Pines (Pinus longaeva), whose age is approaching five THOUSAND years! It is assumed that these are the oldest living organisms on our entire planet.
The thickest coniferous tree is Taxodium Mexicana, whose diameter is 11.42 meters.
I wonder if there are dwarfs among them? Yes, and what others! Thus, the southern conifer Dacridium looseleaf grows in New Zealand. His entire height does not exceed five centimeters.
Conifers are the most common trees in the world. Despite the little species diversity, they play extremely important role in the ecology of the planet. In addition, they are used to harvest most of the industrial wood, which is actively used in almost all areas human life. Even their resin, being petrified, turns into a jewel: it is enough to remember just one
Almost any conifer evergreen tree The pine family can be fully used by humans: it will be used not only for wood production, but also for the production of medicines.
Conifers are mostly evergreen plants, woody or shrubby, with needle-like leaves. The needles are needle-shaped, scaly or linear leaves. Conifers belong to the class of gymnosperms. In total, coniferous plants number about 600 species. It is difficult to list the names of all coniferous trees, but you can imagine a list of coniferous trees that are the most famous and widespread in our region.
Pine is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows everywhere throughout Russia, characterized by long needles and unpretentiousness to natural conditions. Sunny pine groves are a real natural sanatorium.
- coniferous decorative tree From the cypress family, many varieties of thuja are widely cultivated for landscaping parks and private farms.
- V wildlife grows in the tropical zone, is also successfully grown as an ornamental tree or shrub, the foliage differs from all previous coniferous species, the leaves on upward-directed shoots are arranged spirally, on horizontal shoots they are linear. Yew is very poisonous; only its seedless berries are edible.
– coniferous shrub of the cypress family, used for ornamental gardening.
- a mighty tree of the North Ocean coast of America of the cypress family. Long-lived trees of this genus live for several thousand years.
is a beautiful coniferous tree that grows wild in the mountains of China.
The above list of conifers describes plants, each of which has many species - these are just the most common conifers.
In addition to those listed, coniferous species include: cypress, hemlock, ginkgo, araucaria, Libocedrus, pseudo-hemlock, cunningamia, cryptomeria, sciadopitis, sequoiadendron and many others.
Conifers are one of the most popular plants in landscape gardening. Almost all coniferous plants are evergreen and retain their decorative and appearance all year round, and only some species 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
- camellia
- photinia (Photinia)
Conifers for hedges
Spruce, thuja, fir, and cypress trees are used by gardeners as an ideal background for garden and park plants. Chic hedge made of evergreen plants (see more about plants for hedges) will not only outline the boundaries of your garden, protect you from prying eyes, but also hide the imperfections of the landscape.
If the plants for the hedge are spruce, then after 3-4 years of regular pruning, you can get a dense green barrier that neither humans nor animals can overcome.
With the help of several thujas or spruce trees, you can zone the garden space and change its perception 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 garden in Japanese style or maybe a regular English park. And all this will not lose its decorative effect all year long!
To make your garden look new every season, you only need to plant it with conifers and evergreen shrubs beautifully flowering perennials, annuals and bulbous flowers.
The combination of coniferous plants and roses is considered the most spectacular and noble; by the way, roses also belong to evergreens and have soil and care requirements similar to conifers.
Boxwood
Topiary art - giving plants different forms using pruning is another facet of using coniferous evergreen trees and shrubs in the art of creating an ideal garden.
The variety of forms is not the only advantage of coniferous plants. Coniferous plants do not require special care and are rarely damaged by pests and diseases.
Healing air charges us with energy. Coniferous plants are decorative in summer, but they are especially beautiful in winter time years when they create a pleasant contrast with the deciduous forms of plants. Therefore, coniferous plants for the garden are an irreplaceable choice.
Thanks to their impressive size and amazing color of the needles, compositions using coniferous plants will decorate any area.
Experiment by planting conifers - dwarf, slow-growing forms of spruces, pines, thujas and junipers in rocky gardens and alpine hills. Covered with juniper paws, rock garden plants will be able to grow comfortably even in the hot sun.
How to care for coniferous trees and shrubs?
Watering. Mostly young trees need watering. They are watered abundantly at least once a week at the rate of 15-20 liters of water per plant.
Coniferous trees need to be watered abundantly in the fall - evergreen crops often dry out in the fall. winter period not from the cold, but from lack of moisture. Drought-resistant species (for example, pine trees) do not need additional watering, but trees such as thuja suffer from a lack of moisture.
Sprinkling. All coniferous plants need sprinkling, especially in the spring and summer. In dry weather, sprinkling is best done in the morning or evening. During the first year after planting coniferous plants, it is carried out every other day. Thanks to sprinkling, the needles are cleaned of dirt and dust.
Mulching prevents the soil from drying out, limits the growth of weeds and maintains the required soil temperature in the root zone. Coniferous 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 if they are placed in groups.
Coniferous plants that can withstand wintering normally are better suited as tapeworms. outdoors. This could be pine, spruce, larch. Plant such conifers along with other ornamental evergreens and deciduous plants, and you will create a warmer and more protected microclimate.
Can be found in the USA and Canada near small rivers, in coniferous forests, on mountain slopes, etc. - evergreen conifer, with long branches that are pressed to the surface. The shoots are colored blue-green, and with the onset of the first frosts they acquire a brown tint.
The leaves on the reproductive shoots are needle-shaped, spiny, and extend no more than 6-7 mm from the branches. Juniper also has scale-shaped leaves that have oval shape with a slight point at the end.
These leaves have small sizes and press tightly against the branches. There is a constant formation of cones, which have a blue-green tint. Each cone berry contains 4 seeds.
Introduced in decorative garden culture V mid-19th century. Today it is often found in botanical gardens and arboretums. It began to appear in amateur gardens for decorative purposes quite recently, so horizontal juniper has only just begun to gain its popularity. 
It is very beautiful at the beginning of spring, because it is then that its needles acquire a steel tint, which is the main quality of coniferous plants. It will look beautiful on slopes, rocks, near small bodies of water, etc.
Mountain Mugus pine is widespread in the mountainous regions of the Alps and Balkans. In its natural habitat, this plant can reach a height of 2-3 m, but the width of its crown exceeds the height and is 3-4 m.
It is because of this shape that this coniferous plant is classified not as, but as. Mugus pine has short shoots, which are stretched upward.
Cypress trees are undemanding to the composition of the soil, so they are often found on the sides of roads and alleys in long and orderly rows. Their branches are dense and practically do not bend under snow or in strong winds.
Cypress wood is used in shipbuilding, and its oils have found their use in pharmacology and medicine.
This coniferous plant will be excellent among plantings. Due to the fact that it has a lush and slender crown, it is often planted in groups on alleys, terraces, etc.
Fir can be formed into an elegant and attractive crown, which will become a unique decoration of any yard, park or garden.
In its natural habitat, balsam is found on the rocky banks of small rivers and lakes. Due to its genetic predisposition, the plant can be planted near small artificial reservoirs, in which case the harmony will be at the highest level.
It should be noted that in decorative and landscape design the most popular types Nana and Hudsonia are considered balsamic.But there are other varieties that differ in different colors of needles (from gray to silver), crown shape (pin-shaped, pyramidal, cone-shaped), and growth rate. 
Did you know?Fir balsam, which is isolated from balsam bark, is able to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. This balm has been known since ancient times; it was actively used by the inhabitants of Kievan Rus.
The needles have a comb arrangement on the branches. It is slightly dull, has a greenish tint, and small white stripes are observed in the lower part. The length of the needles varies from 20 to 25 mm.
Balsam fir cones are cylindrical in shape, tapering at the base. Their length reaches 10 cm, width - 25 mm. The color of the cones varies from dark purple to olive brown.
Coniferous plant with proper care brings decorative value for 40-50 years. In its natural habitat, balsam fir lives for about 200 years.
Another representative of evergreen conifers, which is characterized by exceptional longevity. In the natural habitat ( North America, East Asia and Europe) the shrub can grow for 3000 years! 
There are many varieties, some of which have beautiful and lush decorative forms, others - large sizes, not of interest to landscape designers.
IN decorative arts Yews are often used in the form of bushes or dwarf ones, which do not grow more than 3 meters in height.
Symbolizes the strength of the spirit, it is also a symbol of overcoming death. Guides in botanical garden Yaltas often remember that the yew guarded the entrance to the kingdom of Hades for many millennia; at the same time, it looked magnificent and slender, like an ardent Cerberus with a mountain of muscles.
Looks gorgeous both in a single planting and in an intricate composition. It will become a bright decoration and the main character of any garden, rock garden, or park. Decorative needles will be an excellent backdrop for graceful rock gardens and unusual alpine slides.
This decorative coniferous shrub has a dense crown and whorled branches. Its needles are of moderate rigidity, located alternately on short petioles.
Yew fruits are cone berries that have a cherry-red pericarp. Decorative types shrubs are demanding on the composition of the soil, but these are the only coniferous plants that can grow in shady places without much difficulty. 
Canadian spruce
Decorative look coniferous plant, which, due to its low size, is more like a shrub. In the literature, there are often other names that accurately reflect the bright color of the needles: spruce glauka konica, spruce gray conika, white conika spruce.
It is a miniature hybrid of gray spruce, so it is often used to decorate rock gardens, rocky gardens, terraces, and alleys. The plant was first discovered in the Canadian mountains at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Since then miniature tree began to rapidly fill estates, courtyards, parks and gardens around the world. Due to its compact size, the plant is used in art. Moreover, Canadian spruce is planted in pots and placed on windowsills.
Canadian spruce grows slowly and, with proper care and regular pruning, reaches a height of 1-1.5 m. Its crown is dense and very beautiful, the diameter varies from 1.5 to 2 m.
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