Trees are as essential to our planet as air, because it is thanks to green spaces and forests that we breathe. Earth atmosphere, filled with carbon dioxide fumes, would very quickly become unbreathable, based on this the banal slogan “Protect the trees!” takes on a new meaning. Fortunately, during the years of his residence on Earth, man did not have time to destroy and cut down all natural resources, but the trend towards extinction of some species of trees has already been outlined. There are trees that are now only mentioned in historical documents. For example, pau-brazil, a plant with red wood, which the conquistadors mercilessly cut down and took out of Brazil. Now only the name of the South American country reminds of its once wide distribution. To prevent this from happening to the rest of the trees, one must remember their exceptional benefits for humanity.

Siberian beauty: appearance, features

Today we will talk about several representatives flora, which differ from each other, but are necessary for people, bring great benefits and Siberian larch comes to the fore. It belongs to the pine family. Grows up to 40 meters high. Unlike other representatives of conifers, it is summer green. This means that by autumn the tree successfully gets rid of needles. But this is not the only one of his amazing features. It is interesting that Siberian larch does not grow for as long as it lives. 40 years is the maximum age up to which it can lengthen by a meter per year.

It is distinguished by the following features:

  • tapered long stem. Sometimes it is quite massive and reaches one and a half meters in girth;
  • the bark is thick and hard;
  • larch crown can be ovoid or cone-shaped;
  • root system extensive, which makes the tree resistant to storm winds (with the exception of wet soils);
  • larches are monoecious plants, with the formation of male and female flowers on the same tree;
  • cones are oval, about 5 cm long;
  • seed production begins at the age of 15, but if the trees grow closely, then even later.

Many are interested in how long Siberian larch lives. A tree lives on average up to 400-500 years. But sometimes there are centenarians whose age exceeds 900 years!

A tree that extends life

How long the Siberian larch lives, so much it successfully prolongs human life, namely, it heals from many ailments. Decoctions from larch branches, especially from young shoots, are excellent for persistent cough, kidney stones, constipation. With such a formidable illness as scurvy, coniferous larch infusions have been used since ancient times. Turpentine, made on the basis of this plant, is rubbed to combat rheumatism, gout, myositis. Also, the substance secreted from is used as a hypnotic.

All the centuries, how long the Siberian larch lives, it helps people to successfully cope with diseases.

For the benefit of the people

Apart from medical value, the tree has a huge economic value. How long a Siberian larch tree lives, so much is considered an excellent building material. Even the ancient coast-dwellers made their ships from this type of wood. The watchtowers, whose age dates back to the 17th century, have been preserved. The structures were built from durable larch logs and have remained incorruptible to this day. What is the secret of such unusual strength? The fact is that:

  • the tree is not subject to decay, it can lie at the bottom of the reservoir for many years and from this only become stronger;
  • larch is resistant to heterogeneous fungi;
  • she has big weight, therefore, it sinks in water (it is fused in conjunction with other logs);
  • V in large numbers contains tannin.

Therefore, for centuries, how many years Siberian larch lives, bridges, houses, poles are built from it, sleepers are made and mines are strengthened. Also, the tree is used to make staves for barrels, shingles and furniture are made from it. Unused wood is used as fuel. Due to the presence of tannin, larch extract is used as a dye and for tanning skins.

How many years does a Siberian larch tree live? This largely depends on the human attitude to it and to nature in general. A tree can be cut down quickly, but it will take decades for it to grow. Therefore, the misuse natural resources, which are by no means infinite, is unacceptable.

Notable Facts

How many years the Siberian larch lives, so much good fame goes about it. Human rumor is buzzing about its miraculous properties. The facts speak for themselves:

  • in the legendary city on the water of Venice, piles were made from larch trunks for residential buildings. This happened in the Renaissance, but when they began to be tested for strength in the 19th century, they were amazed: after so many years in the water, even an ax did not take a tree;
  • in the dense taiga, since the 17th century, larches have been incorruptible, fallen for various reasons;
  • ancient sarcophagi made of this wood found in Altai have surprisingly survived since the Bronze Age.

Larch grows mainly in Siberia, which explains its name. This is a natural gift that people are obliged to cherish more than an eye.

humble aspen

An inconspicuous representative of the Willow family, the common aspen prefers a temperate and cold climate. The voluminous root system firmly holds the tree to the surface. Aspen grows quite quickly, but due to soreness, it lives up to a maximum of 90 years (almost a human age). It can be found in the vastness of Kazakhstan, Belarus, in Ukrainian forests, in Russia and Europe. The tree loves river banks, ravines, clearings and edges. Prefers wet soils.

Sinister legends

There have long been many legends around the aspen, and the peasants and ordinary people frankly disliked it. The tree was not planted next to the houses, they did not hide in its liquid shade. What is the reason for the popular dislike? It is unsuitable for farming: aspen does not burn well, does not provide enough heat, and is prone to rapid decay. But there were also mystical reasons: according to the legendary biblical parable, the traitor Judas hanged himself on an aspen, the cross for the crucifixion of Jesus was also made of aspen. Therefore, it was considered a cursed tree, which trembles even without wind. It's true: they are almost always in motion, but biologists explain given fact special sensitivity of delicate leaves.

But this attitude is unfair. Indeed, at the same time, imprisoned, ancient people cast out evil spirits, searched for thieves with the help of an aspen rod, used clean water from aspen log wells.

Aspen helper

The modern use of aspen is quite wide. In addition to being planted in park areas, aspen is used to paint products, process leather, make containers, matches and plywood. Aspen log cabins are also in demand. Aspen "liquid smoke" is used for marinades and smoking products. She also has numerous medicinal properties which are highly valued by traditional medicine.

This merciful tree with a thin bark in the winter cold saves many forest dwellers, being their only food.

Longevity of the Northern Hemisphere

And now we will talk about the berry yew, a long-lived tree, since its age reaches 4 millennia. Previously, it was distributed in Western Europe, Asia Minor, in the Caucasian expanses. But people quickly exterminated this unique tree. Its wood is almost eternal and has antibacterial properties.

Houses with only yew ceiling beams could save us from pandemics, as the miraculous tree prevents bacteria from growing even in the air.

Yew hunting

Yew wood was used not only for construction. They began to make furniture from yew, and even later, expensive wood was used to make sacred objects and caskets for storing relics. The unique material kept them well from damage. Only very noble people could afford yew beds. This uniqueness has served the yew berry in a bad way: it is not common in nature, mainly cultivars are common.

Now it is widely used in especially in the United Kingdom. In green construction, borders, labyrinths, and various figures are made from yew.

If we compare how long Siberian larch, aspen, yew berry live (500 years, 90 years and 4 thousand years, respectively), it seems that this is a very long time. But this unique trees extinction threatens if people do not come to their senses and save them from extermination.

Larch is a type of coniferous wood. It combines the perfection of useful qualities and longevity. This tree has a wide range of uses, but has proven itself especially in construction. The valuable properties of this tree are not comparable with any other type of wood, which is why the cost of larch is slightly higher than that of pine, but significantly lower than that of many other types of wood. The world of the Forest is truly amazing, and larch occupies the main place in it.

Description of the breed. Larch is a coniferous tree.

Larch - coniferous tree

Many people wonder - coniferous larch or deciduous tree. Also, some believe that larch is a deciduous tree. Larch belongs to coniferous tree species. In favorable conditions, an adult tree can reach a height of 50 m in height and a trunk diameter of up to 1 m. The average life span of the breed is from 300 to 500 years. Cases of a plant life span reaching 800 years have been recorded. The tree has a loose crown of a cone-shaped or ovoid shape. Well illuminated by the sun. The needles have a bright green color and a flattened shape. Its location is single or spiral, and on short shoots it is bundled. The branches are arranged in a chaotic manner, without patterns. If the area is windy, the needles can be located only on one side of the tree.
It is worth noting that in autumn the tree sheds "leaves" before the onset of spring. The plant tolerates winter quite easily, this is evidenced by the absence of frostbite-"frostbite" even at a temperature of -60 degrees. Therefore, this tree can be found in the harsh northern regions, farther than any other vegetation. In Russia, the plant occupies large areas of Siberia, the Far East and the south of Primorye. Outside of our country, the larch breed is common in Northern and Western Europe. The soil on which a valuable tree grows does not have special qualities. The tree grows in Siberian moss swamps, as well as mountain slopes. Of course, this location affects the growth and size of the offspring. In favorable areas, a tree can coexist with such species as spruce, pine, birch. A strong root system does not have a pronounced trunk, has a branched shape and deepened lateral roots. This position of the root system allows you to hold on tighter and resist strong gusts of wind.

Reproduction of the breed. Larch cone.

Fruiting of plants begins with the achievement of 10-15 years. And good seed years are repeated at intervals of 5-6 years. Natural reproduction of the tree occurs with the help of seeds. Male ears are small and yellow in color, while female ears are red, pink or green. Pollination occurs in spring or summer, depending on the region. So, in the southern part, pollination begins at the end of April, and in the northern part - in June. Cones ripen in the fall, so they begin to open either immediately or after overwintering. The seeds of the tree are small, with tightly fitting wings. Despite the strength of the plant, the seeds have a low percentage of germination, this is due to the lack of flying sacs in pollen, so many seeds are “idle”.

Artificial breeding of the breed has two options:
Seminal.
Cherenkovy.

It is much easier to grow larch from seeds than from cuttings. For this, mature cones are collected and dried until they open. The seeds are removed, and one month before the upcoming planting, they are soaked in water for one day, mixed with wet coarse sand. The finished mixture is laid out in special wooden boxes and placed in a cool place or refrigerator. It is important to take into account some nuances here, firstly, there should be holes in the boxes for natural ventilation, and secondly, it is necessary to correctly calculate the time of settling so that landing in the ground occurs in late April - early May. It is recommended to plant seeds no more than 1.5 cm deep, and it is strictly forbidden to specifically tamp or sprinkle seedlings with heavy soil. To do this, you can use a sand-peat mixture, which has sufficient porosity to provide good access to oxygen. As a seedling insulation, you can use a film that can be removed after the first shoots. On permanent place seedlings should be transplanted after they reach two years of age.
Growing larch using cuttings is a laborious process and requires the provision of many conditions. This is explained by a small percentage of rooting cuttings. On good growth and the development of seedlings is affected by humidity, temperature, soil composition and light. To comply with all requirements, special nurseries are used, where experts can provide them with the necessary temperature and humidity conditions and care. It is worth noting that this approach is also explained by the poor rooting of cuttings in the open field.

Varieties of larch

Depending on the location, features of the tree, there are several types of larch species:

- she is also common, is a wide representative of the breed in Western and Northern Europe. It reaches a height of up to 50 meters, has a slender strong trunk and a dense crown of irregular shape. In our climatic conditions an adult medium tree reaches a height of 25 meters. The crown of a coniferous plant has the shape of a cone, the color is bright green. Mature cones have a brown tint, and their length reaches four cm, the tree begins to bloom in May. This tree is recognized as the fastest growing among its relatives. It is not afraid of cold weather, has a long service life and aesthetic qualities. It grows well on any soil, but does not tolerate places with stagnant waters. Excellent larch lives on calcareous, chernozem, podzolic soils and loams. In addition, well-draining soil will provide an excellent basis for strengthening and developing both the root system and the entire plant.

Siberian larch occupies 50 percent of the area in the forests of Russia and reaches 45 meters in height. The difference of this breed is a straight trunk, thickening towards the bottom. The plant is covered with thick, light brown bark. The needles of young shoots have the shape of a narrow pyramid and are rare; in adult trees it is wide, pyramidal in shape and raised high. The branches of the Siberian beauty are at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the trunk, and their ends are bent upwards. The leaves of the Siberian larch of a light green hue are narrow and range from 13 to 45 mm in length. When ripe, the cones acquire light brown and yellow hues. Pollination occurs in late April - early May and lasts for 1.5 weeks. Seed dispersal itself occurs in autumn, preferably in October. How long does a larch live? Siberian larch lives on average 200-300 years, but there are trees over 500 years old.

3. Daurian larch

grows on Far East and under good climatic conditions reaches 30 meters in height. The difference of this breed is the red bark, which becomes much thicker as the tree grows older. Young shoots are straw-coloured and often seen bare and drooping. The needles are light green, up to 30 mm long. The cones of such a larch are small, only 20 mm long, have the shape of an egg or an oval. It is worth noting that the needles of the plant have a light green color in spring, bright green in summer, and golden in autumn. Flowering begins in late April - early May, and dispersal occurs in early autumn. The breed grows both on high mountain slopes and river valleys. Due to the undemanding nature of the soil, Dahurian larch grows in wetlands, rocky slopes and in areas with shallow permafrost.

4. American larch

distributed in the northern hemisphere and reaches only 25 m in height. The trunk diameter is usually from 30 to 60 cm. It is mainly found in Canada and the northeastern United States. The cone-shaped crown is formed by serpentine branches that hang down. The trunk has a dark brown or gray color. The needles of the tree are light green in spring and darker in summer. The leaves reach 30 mm, and the cones are only 10-20 mm. They have a purple hue until completely dry and turn brown after opening. Flowering begins in mid-May, and productive fruiting is observed every 4 years. It should be noted that the growth of this larch is much slower than its sisters.

The varieties of larch do not end there, but unlike the above, most of them have decorative uses due to their small size.

Common larch pests

As with all plants, there are pests on this breed that can harm plants.

- a sucking insect that lays larvae that feed on plant sap. This insect is very small, but adults are able to fly from one tree to another.

The gall midge lives and feeds on plant tissues, the affected shoots begin to suffer from infection and soon die off. Various fungi on the bark of a tree can cause the spread of putrefactive formations and pests.

Many often wonder how to distinguish larch from pine. In fact, it is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. The main difference between these two trees is the needles. Larch is the only plant that sheds needles for the winter. Therefore, if a coniferous, bare tree appeared before your eyes, it is a larch. Pine only changes the color of the needles. You can also distinguish trees by their crown - larch has a conical frame, while pine is more round. Pine leaves are hard and look more like spruce needles, while larch leaves are flattened and soft to the touch. Plant cones have different size, in pine they are larger and round in shape, in larch they are smaller and oval. The difference can also be found in color - mature pine cones have a rich brown color, while larch has a brown one.

Trees can also be distinguished in the form of finished lumber.
The larch bark is much thicker and has a rich reddish tint inside. A sliver of larch will sink much faster than pine. The structure of larch will clearly manifest itself under the influence of water. A marble pattern with a pinkish tint will stand out strongly against the background of a pine product. The smell of pine is not to be confused with anything, while larch will not express such an incense with needles. With the help of a log, it is also easy to distinguish larch - the core and dense one-year-old rings will clearly stand out on the cut. All doubts will be dispelled by arson of splinters from both materials. Larch lights up for a long time and very slowly, unlike pine. The strength of larch is much higher, therefore, if you run a nail over the material, it is unlikely that deep marks will remain on it.

Pine and larch are different trees. Larch has significant advantages over pine, despite their common coniferous species. The main characteristic of larch material is density. Compared to pine, it is 1.5 times higher. The indicator of this property for larch is 670 kg/m3, while the density of pine is 440 kg/m3. Due to this, the tree has a higher hardness, which is 400 kg / cm2, the same indicator for pine - 200 kg / cm2. These two qualities already speak of the advantages of larch lumber. Building elements are stronger and can withstand significant loads.
Rot resistance is another quality to consider when choosing between two plants. So, pine has a 3-4 degree of stability, and larch 2-3. This shows how a tree can behave in the event of a danger. Pine has a low degree of resistance to decay, while larch has a moderate degree, and therefore is less susceptible to this risk. Fire resistance is an important indicator of wood resistance to fire. Due to its resinous nature, pine does not have high fire resistance, while larch is difficult to ignite, and burns very slowly when ignited. The moisture resistance of pine undeniably loses to its sister, for whom water is a way to increase its strength. The appearance of larch in comparison with a friend is noble and aristocratic. The surface of the material is distinguished by a marble pattern with a pinkish tint.

Due to its properties, larch is widely used in construction. The tree has the following decisive factors:
The strength of larch wood is comparable to oak. On the Brinell scale, the hardness of wood is 109 units, while oak has a hardness of 1 unit higher. Density contributes to strength - this is undoubtedly the advantage of the material, which reaches 660 kg / m3 at 10% humidity. This figure is 1.5 times higher than that of pine. The plant has high rates of compression along the fibers, modulus of elasticity, impact and static bending and chipping. Due to these characteristics, larch is used for the manufacture of parquet boards. Fire resistance is one of the important factors when choosing a material. Larch has good fire resistance, the indicator is several times higher than other tree species. Resistance to fungal diseases allows the tree to live for quite a long time. Insects also appear on larch that can harm the tree, but due to the plant's poor susceptibility to pests, they often change their preferences. Water resistance is always taken into account when building with larch wood lumber. Due to this property, larch is used for outdoor structures. A distinctive characteristic - when absorbing water, the plant becomes even stronger. Therefore, earlier this breed was used in the construction of bridges.

Environmental properties

Environmental safety is a guarantee of quality of life, therefore any wood carries safety and guarantee of health. The aesthetics of the breed allows you to create various materials that not only fulfill their direct duties, but also decorate the room. The thermal conductivity of larch is much less than that of another tree, this is due to its density, therefore, floors are mainly made from larch.

larch transportation

In order to deliver the wood to its destination, alloy and other types of transportation are used. A feature of larches is the acquisition of greater strength after being in the water, so our ancestors tried not to float the deciduous forest on the water. After all, gaining excess weight the wood sank. Nowadays, this plant is rafted using cargo ships, which increases the efficiency and speed of timber delivery. For transportation, it is necessary to take into account the weight of the forest of natural moisture, which will be much larger than the dried wood. IN Lately rivers are loaded with traffic, so more and more wood is delivered by rail and road.

Deciduous plantings occupy a large area in Russia, while in other countries this species is not enough. The need for high-quality larch lumber is especially high in countries with desert areas and plantations unsuitable for building purposes. Regular buyers of wood are Iran, Israel, Iraq, the CIS countries, the European Union and China. The latter country prefers larch, because it is it that serves as an excellent material for houses on the water. Lumber in the form of,, and is in demand. Abroad, larch is mainly used for decoration of premises and houses, for the production of furniture of excellent quality.
Austrians prefer Siberian larch as building materials for building houses. It combines all the heat and sound insulation qualities, so the houses are solid. The appearance attracts foreigners and allows you to create delightful design complexes. The qualities and characteristics of this material allow it to be used in shipbuilding, railway construction and many other areas. The possibilities of this tree are great, and with the help of modern technologies you can achieve unique results in various fields applications.

The use of larch in construction. Larch lumber.

Larch as logs

The high cost of rock and thermal conductivity are the reasons why complete log cabins are rarely made. The strength of the tree and its lifespan is an excellent solution for the construction of a durable structure, but the thermal conductivity indicator requires additional wall insulation or thickening. Therefore, it is advisable to use rounded logs for the lower crowns of the house. This will serve as an excellent support for subsequent crowns and will not allow the logs to sag much. Also, the first crowns of larch will protect the further tree from moisture, taking all the “blow” on themselves, which will only make them stronger.

This finishing element is very popular due to its qualities and design features. The material is an array of larch, well dried and processed. This preparation helps to avoid cracking and other deformations. The outer side has a convex surface, and the inner one is flat. With the help of the tongue-and-groove connection, a snug fit of the boards to each other is achieved, which creates a solid, integral structure. With the help of processing, a perfectly flat surface is achieved, and the gutters on inside elements serve as ventilation ducts. Coating the finished element with varnishes emphasizes the aesthetic appearance, with the help of which, the building looks beautiful.
The appearance of this material allows it to be used for interior and exterior decoration, regardless of the material of the walls. Usually they are sheathed with frame houses, but it is possible to finish walls made of brick, concrete, timber or panel. Block house is not only a beautiful finishing material, but also protection of the building from adverse conditions, physical influences, humidity and frost. With its help, the thermal insulation performance of the walls increases, the degree of sound from the street decreases, the building acquires a full-fledged aesthetic appearance. Designers can use the block house to create a complex of original buildings.

Batten

The use of larch boards began long before the advent of modern technology. Larch was used for shipbuilding, mainly military, so it did not immediately come into use in houses. Bridges, piers and all buildings adjacent to the water were made exclusively from this breed. Larch flooring has a long service life, good wear resistance and moisture resistance. Natural ingredients keep environmental safety and warm in the house. This element is made from solid wood, which explains its longevity and quality. Parts of the required dimensions are cut, processed, and thoroughly dried at a very high temperature. The edges of the outer side are rounded, which creates the integrity of the picture and a good appearance.

Floorboards play a special role in the construction of open areas. Due to the good moisture resistance, the elements serve as a material for covering terraces, garden areas and paths, arbors. The specifics of manufacturing a floorboard is simple, specially made grooves on the outside of the coating act as a feature. Serves constructive solution to drain water from the floor and prevent slipping. Special attention is given to the processing of boards in open areas. To avoid fading in the sun, dust and dirt getting into the pores, special protective work is carried out with various compositions. The goal of the process is to obtain a film that resists exposure to sunlight and the penetration of dirt. With its help, the material does not lose its aesthetics over the years and pleases the owner with its beauty and sophistication.

In the early autumn of 1960, in the small American city of Seattle (Washington State), the V World Forestry Congress was finishing its work. Representatives of the eternally peaceful profession, who came here from 96 countries, decided to complete the congress with the creation of the Peoples' Friendship Park. In the central alley, each delegation had to plant the national tree of their country. It was the turn of the Soviet representative. To the sounds national anthem of our Motherland, he headed for the landing site. To his right, a young American walked with a red banner in his hands; to his left, a girl walked with a shovel and a sapling of a national tree.

What tree has the honor to represent the main forest power of the world on American soil? Over 1,700 domestic species of woody plants grow in our country, as well as about 2,000 species of foreign origin. Here also choose from them the most worthy tree. But Soviet foresters came to a unanimous decision rather quickly: larch became their chosen one. Fair decision! If in doubt, look at the map of our country.

Forests stretch from west to east across the whole of Russia in a wide belt. Almost half of this area is occupied by larch, more than a quarter of a billion hectares - from Lake Onega to the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bOkhotsk. Five countries such as France can freely fit into the territory occupied by larch. So many vast forests do not form any other tree species in the world. It is the most representative forest tree.

Larch is famous for its durability. True, it lives not so long in comparison with other species: about 400-500 years, but its wood used in buildings is extremely resistant. For many hundreds and even thousands of years, it has been perfectly preserved, acquiring ever greater strength and original coloring over time. Even now, in the dense thickets of the Siberian taiga, one can often come across the remains of ancient fortresses built by the soldiers of Khan Kuchum. Five centuries ago, larch logs were placed in them, but no damage is visible.


A lot of larch products were also found during excavations of the famous Pazyryk mounds in Altai. For more than 25 centuries they lay untouched by time. These unique witnesses of the eternal youth of larch are now kept in the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. There you can see log cabins of grave crypts, decks-sarcophagi, war chariots with wheels woven from larch roots. All this was made back in the Bronze Age with bronze axes of nomads. Over the millennia, ancient products only darkened and acquired the hardness of stone. Aren't these transformations wonderful? True, even during life, larch is in many ways unusual.

Straight, like columns, larch trees are real forest giants. 30-40 meters in height is not the limit for them, they can also be 50 meters with a trunk thickness of up to 2 meters. Larch forests produce a record amount of wood per hectare for all our species: up to 1,500 cubic meters and more.

Larch (Larix) © Mmparedes

Larch wood is used in modern shipbuilding, in the production of aircraft, automobiles, and in mechanical engineering. It goes without special impregnation on sleepers and telegraph poles and is especially good for moorings, bridges, dams, where, as they say, it does not know demolition.

But people are not content with just wood, but turn it into many useful components. From one cubic meter of larch wood, with the help of a miraculous chemistry, 200 kilograms of cellulose or the same amount of grape sugar, 2000 pairs of stockings or 1500 meters of silk fabric, 6000 square meters cellophane or 700 liters of wine alcohol. Dozens and hundreds of other valuable substances are made from larch wood processing products: turpentine and acetic acid, rosin and sealing wax, matches and much more. Tannins are extracted from larch wood for dressing leather and dyeing fabrics, and essential oil is extracted from needles. However, even during its lifetime, the tree gives high-quality resin, or, as it is commonly called on the world market, Venetian turpentine. It is obtained by tapping growing trees and is widely used in the electrical and paint industries.

Experts attribute larch to coniferous plants, but unlike spruce or pine, it annually sheds its green outfit for the winter. Because of the ability to shed needles annually, larch got its name. However, the renewal of needles is the privilege of trees, and larch shoots retain their needles in winter. Apparently, in ancient times, larch was evergreen tree and only then adapted to the harsh conditions of the north. After all, dropping needles, it thereby reduces the evaporation of water from the crown in winter. We have to save money, since the roots are not able to absorb moisture from the frozen soil.

Larch is especially good in spring and autumn. Its long, thin straw-yellow branches in early spring together (in just one or two warm, fine days) they are colored with thick brushes of delicate bright green needles. Against their emerald background, like the lights of a Christmas tree, reddish, pink or green cone lights and yellow spikelets “flash” one after another. Larch trees are festively beautiful at this time. A light breeze raises clouds of golden pollen above their crowns. Pollination is in progress.

Larch is a monoecious plant: female cones and male spikelets are on the same tree.

Over time, the color of the needles darkens, its growth stops, and then numerous small cones turn brown, ripening. At the end of summer or early autumn, larch again appears in a festive, this time golden-orange outfit. The larch forest is majestic at this time of the year. Seems to be harsh Siberian taiga from edge to edge illuminated by a gentle golden radiance. Whether you are flying over the taiga, whether you are sailing these days along the Yenisei or Lena, Aldan or Kolyma, it seems as if you are lost in a boundless sparkling larch ocean. Only the Siberian frost has the power to tame this universal autumn radiance. The first strong frost will strike, and the golden needles will quietly stream from the trees. But how violently the taiga will rustle with the first cold winds. In just a few days, larch trees lose their majestic dress, and they remain naked all winter in the face of cruel elements. True, larch is not a timid one: it calmly meets snow blizzards, generously scattering its small winged seeds just in winter. She kept a lot of them in small, but numerous brownish knobs.


Flowering larch. © Rudiger Kratz

However, larch and drought are just as successfully tolerated. It is no coincidence that foresters of Ukraine and Kuban, the Volga region and Moldova so willingly plant it in shelterbelts.

It fully justifies their trust, grows quickly and quickly gets along with the sultry south.

The silvicultural qualities of larch are also appreciated. The speed of its growth, undemanding to soils and the ability to form both pure and mixed forest stands speak for themselves. Near Zelenogorsk, near St. Petersburg, and now you can see a unique larch grove, founded by the decree of Peter I by the "forest connoisseur" Fokel. This is the first and, as time has confirmed, a very successful attempt artificial breeding so deserving of this tree species. Now Soviet foresters cultivate larch everywhere. Of the 20 species of the larch genus that exist in the world, experts count 14 in our country. Some species live in the Carpathians, others in Sakhalin, and others in the Kuril Islands.


However, usually preference is given to Siberian larch, the one that grows in the Peoples' Friendship Park on American soil. True, this is not the first memorable tree of such an unusual breed. Back in 1706, in memory of the founding of the Apothecary Garden in Moscow, Peter I planted a larch with his own hands. This larch has lived for more than a quarter of a millennium, the distant Moscow outskirts have long turned into the central Prospekt Mira, and the Aptekarsky Garden - into the now old botanical garden of Moscow University. She witnessed many signs of the times.

Just about Peter's larch, one of the Soviet foresters said: "That's where the proud words came from: trees die standing." Indeed, Peter's veteran tree is majestic even now, when only a few branches are alive on it. But the baton of generations has already been passed on, the honorary watch from the old memorial tree has already been taken over by its young descendant. The garden workers lovingly planted it nearby on the 250th anniversary of the former Pharmaceutical Garden.

Dendrologists share everything tree species plants for two large groups: deciduous and coniferous trees. And, as a rule, it is very simple to attribute one or another species to one of these groups. The only exception to this rule is larch. This is deciduous or Let's try to understand this issue.

Larch: coniferous or

Lárix - this is the name of this wonderful tree in Latin. Why do many people have a question: "Is larch a deciduous or coniferous tree?" And what is the right way to answer it?

The thing is that although this tree has needles, it sheds its needles for the winter, just as hardwoods do. This is the moment that drives many people into a dead end. And not everyone can confidently answer the question "larch is a deciduous or coniferous tree."

In fact, this beauty of botany belongs to the pine family, and thus it is a coniferous species. And one of the most common on the planet.

Larch: botanical description of the plant

So, we found out that larch is a coniferous tree. The features of this plant, as well as its distribution throughout the Earth, we will consider below.

The average height of this tree is no more than 50 meters (with a trunk diameter of no more than 1 meter). Larches live on average up to 300 years, although individual specimens have been recorded that have lived up to 800 years.

The peculiarity of this plant is a conical (like many conifers), but a very loose (translucent) crown. In those places where the wind rose is unidirectional, the crown may have a flag-like shape.

The main feature of this coniferous breed is its needles. It is annual and very soft, as for a coniferous tree. Touching larch needles is quite pleasant. Every autumn, the tree sheds its needles, and in spring new, fresh, green needles grow on its branches.

Larch trees are quite developed and powerful, which allows them to settle on steep mountain slopes, where wind blows throughout the year. strong winds. In some cases, for greater stability, even its lower branches take root in the ground.

Larch is a very light-loving tree, therefore, it chooses appropriate areas for itself: open and unshaded. If the growing conditions are favorable, then the plant is able to reach for the sun at an amazing speed: up to one meter per year!

Larch is very resistant to low air temperatures. She is not afraid of sharp frosts. Undemanding to soils. So, larch can grow both on the dry soil of a mountain slope, and on the waterlogged land of a swampy lowland. However, if the soil conditions are too unfavorable, then the tree will grow very stunted and low.

Geographic distribution of the plant

Larch is one of the most common tree species on the planet, numbering up to 15 different types. Very often these trees form vast and light forests. Huge territories are occupied by larch forests in Siberia, as well as in the Far East.

European larch is often called a long-lived tree. She easily lives to the age of several hundred years. On the territory of Russia, three types of larch are most often found: Russian, Siberian and Dahurian. The latter can be easily distinguished by their shiny silvery buds. Whole forests grow in Transbaikalia

IN North America western and American larch became widespread. In the United States, the wood of these species is actively used in construction and industry.

The use of larch by man

The wood of this tree has long been used by man. It differs in durability, elasticity, resinousness. Plus, it is very resistant to decay. In the hardness of larch fabrics, they are second only to oak.

The wood of this plant is actively used in the construction business, in industry, in the construction of surface or underwater structures. Turpentine is also produced from it.

The plant is used in traditional medicine. So, larch needles are a huge source of ascorbic acid. Therefore, fresh needles (or an infusion of them) is an excellent prophylactic from scurvy. In addition, baths from the needles of this tree are recommended for people suffering from joint diseases. Turpentine is also made from larch resin - very effective remedy for rheumatism and gout.

Finally...

Is larch a deciduous or coniferous tree? After reading our article, you will forever remember the answer to this question.

Larch is a tree not only beautiful, but also very useful. The wood of this unique plant is very durable and resistant to decay, so it is widely used in the construction industry. And several centuries earlier, the strongest and most reliable ships were made from it.

Larch is an amazing coniferous tree with antiseptic properties that are valued both in medicine and in construction. Surprisingly, it is made from medications and are actively used in the construction of houses. So what is the peculiarity of the Siberian larch?

Description of Siberian larch

Larch grows anywhere in Russia, but the most valuable tree is grown in distant Siberia. Due to the harsh climate in that area, larch becomes very durable, and resembles an almost eternal oak. If compared according to Brinell, the strength is 109 units. for Siberian larch, and 110 for oak. In other places, a tree grows more loose in structure. Siberian larch has a high fire resistance. It emits a healing aroma that favorably affects the well-being and health of people.

The height of Siberian larch can reach 45 meters. The trunk of the tree has a cone-shaped and straight appearance, in girth it can reach 2.5 meters. The bark has a grayish-brown tint, rather thick and cracked in places. The needles of the Siberian larch are soft, light green and the length of its needles does not exceed 5 cm. The tree belongs to the pine family. But it differs from them in that it sheds all its needles for the winter. A tree lives an average of 900 years.

A house built using Siberian larch will last more than one century. But earlier this tree was rarely used in construction, because. it was difficult to cut and special means that can facilitate this work did not exist at that time. In its density, it is 3 times higher than pine. It is steady against emergence of dampness and is not subject to influence of a fungus. It may have been in water for years and this will only improve its strength, so it is quite often used for the construction of bridges, piers, etc.

Siberian larch is actively used in shipbuilding, it is not afraid of sea ​​water. They also produce sleepers, parquet boards, power line poles, elements of building structures, baths and saunas. Larch clapboards can be used to decorate the inside and outside of the house. Perfect for rooms with high humidity. Able to withstand harsh climate without antiseptic impregnation of wood. It does not conduct heat well, so it is well suited for sheathing a house. The root of the Siberian larch is even stronger than the tree itself. Previously, it was used to make dishes intended for a festive celebration. The retail price of boards is on average 45,000 rubles per 1 m3.

Siberian larch has a beautiful color, you can easily see annual rings on it. This valuable tree is very durable, but also expensive, although it is worth it.