What does a young cedar tree look like. Cedar: planting and care, types and varieties, photo. Physical and mechanical properties of cedar wood

The maximum life expectancy is 500 (according to some sources 800-850) years.

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✪ Cedar pines

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✪ Coniferous plants: cedar pine, Weymouth pine, dwarf pine.

✪ Recipe for cedar tincture - Siberian

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When choosing plants for the site, we want them to be winter and frost-resistant, resistant to diseases and pests, do not require special treatment, be decorative throughout the year, grow quickly; so that the culture is durable and our descendants can be proud of the work of our hands and it’s not bad if the plant matches the new fashionable landscape trends. Didn't forget anything? Oh yes! I forgot! It would not be bad for it to bear fruit, giving tasty fruits. We shovel a mountain of literature, sit on various forums and specialized sites, and, in the end, gradually our requirements are reduced, reduced ... and the very thought of such plants seems utopian. It seems to us that nothing like this can happen in our climate and we need to either say goodbye to this idea, or leave and plant a garden somewhere in sunny Italy, Spain, France ... But there is no need to despair, there are many types and varieties of plants that correspond to these requirements. In this article I will tell you about one of them. I want to introduce you to the cedar pine - a plant that we call "Cedar". If you look, then this is not one, but a group of plants. But, let's take it in order ... The following types are classified as cedar pines: Ermine pine, European cedar pine or European cedar, Korean cedar or Korean cedar pine, Siberian cedar pine or Siberian cedar. What do these plants have in common? Well, firstly, long dark green needles, collected 5 pieces in a bunch; secondly, the famous pine nuts. By the way, the seeds of all types of pines are edible, however, the seeds of cedar pines are of sufficient size for collection. Cedar pines are powerful large plants with a dense, beautiful crown. The exception is the cedar elfin, but it stands apart from the rest of the cedar pines. If I were asked which plant I consider absolutely winter- and frost-resistant, then cedar pines would undoubtedly be the first to come to mind. The artificial habitat of these plants is from the forest-steppe zone to the polar Kola Peninsula. Cedar pines calmly endure both low winter temperatures and high summer temperatures; sudden temperature changes and return frosts are not terrible for them. Therefore, in our region, these pines have found their second home. Starting from the age of 10, cedar pines do not actually require any intervention from us. Is it just to add mineral fertilizer once every three years, maybe arrange a shower in a particularly hot summer, well, keep track of Hermes and mealy worm. Also, with age, the cedar increases its annual growth - up to 50 cm. However, in young years, the cedar not only grows slowly (5-10 cm), but is also susceptible to various fungal diseases. During this period of its life, the cedar is very vulnerable. Young plants are extremely sensitive to soil acidity, alkaline and strongly acidic soil can lead to weakening of the seedling. Optimal acidity - pH 6-7. Also, young cedars need to be watered regularly and it is imperative to shower. It is worth remembering that root competition, compacted soil and, to a lesser extent, poor lighting can also lead to the death of a young seedling. Therefore, while the plant is small, we regularly weed weeds under it, make sure that the soil is breathable and, despite the fact that young cedars are shade-tolerant, we try to plant the plant in a sunny place. Once again, the older the cedar seedling, the easier it is to take care of it. However, you should not chase after large-sized plants - such seedlings are not cheap and planting them will not be very cheap. The optimal size of a cedar pine is up to 2-2.5 m. In general, I can talk about cedars indefinitely, admiring their beauty and decorativeness throughout the year. Remembering that this plant has long been a symbol of strength and health (cedar pine lives an average of 400 years and reaches 40 m), I want to say that cedar pines are not only suitable for our climate, but also ideal as a family tree. I want to remind you that the cedar pine is undoubtedly a "fruit" plant. In our climate, where the range of fruit crops is extremely limited, cedar can become part of the orchard. Yes, cedar pines are distinguished by late fruiting, in culture not earlier than 15-18 years old (in nature from 40 years old), yes, the seeds ripen within a year and a half, but believe me - it's worth it. The Japanese say: “Why do Russians need medicines when they have cedar pines?” And this is no accident, the seeds of cedar pine are rich in amino acids, most of which are essential acids. Cedar resin is also extremely valuable and irreplaceable. And what a decoction of needles ... Yes, if you list all the useful properties of this plant, then it will be enough for several articles! And, before moving on to the nuances of agricultural technology, I would also like to note that all cedar pines can be used for container gardening. That is, to grow both on balconies and loggias, and on open terraces. Well, now a few words about the agricultural technology of cedar pines. The basic rules for planting do not differ from planting any other plant, but there are a few points that will allow you to end up with a beautiful and healthy seedling. 1. It must be remembered that a feature of the mineral nutrition of Cedar pines is a strong need for potassium. Excess nitrogen in the soil has a depressing effect on the development of its root system. Based on this, we do not abuse nitrogen fertilizers, but at least once every couple of years we add potash fertilizers. 2. Be sure to mulch the plant and add a layer of mulch every year. First, pine and larch mulch will promote the formation of adventitious roots. Let me remind you that adventitious roots enhance the nutrition of the plant and accelerate its growth. Secondly, do not forget that cedar pines are mycotrophic plants. That is, the absence of mycorrhiza on the roots can serve as one of the main reasons for poor growth and premature death of the plant, and mulch in every possible way contributes to the development of mycorrhiza. Thirdly, a layer of mulch retains moisture in the upper soil layer, which is especially important when growing cedar on light sandy loam, and on heavy clay soil it protects its root system from being squeezed out in winter. And, fourthly, weeds under mulch slow down their growth. 3. When planting, you need to remember that cedar is a powerful plant and the minimum planting step is 3-4 m. 4. It must be remembered that the root system of cedar pine needs air, so the soil must be absolutely breathable. By following these simple rules, you will get a healthy, beautiful plant that will become the decoration and pride of your garden for many years to come!

Name

In Russia, the plant gained fame at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries under the name "Siberian cedar", although from a scientific point of view this species belongs to the genus Pine and is a close relative of the common pine, and not real cedars (Lebanese, Atlas and Himalayan).

Botanical description

Siberian cedar is an evergreen tree 20-25 (40) m tall. It is distinguished by a dense, often multi-topped crown with thick branches. The trunk is straight, even brown-gray, in old trees it forms a fissured scaly bark. Branching is whorled. Shoots of the last year are brown, covered with long red hairs.

Nutcracker and chipmunk play an important role in seed dispersal.

Distribution and ecology

Siberian cedar is often confused with Korean cedar, Siberian cedar and European cedar.

Consortative ties

Between Siberian cedar and nutcracker ( Nucifraga caryocatactes ) mutually beneficial interspecies consortium bonds have historically developed. Cedar seeds serve as the main food for the nutcracker and, as a result, in the process of evolution this was reflected in the structure of some of its organs and lifestyle, and the instinct of the nutcracker to store food for the winter turned out to be useful for the natural renewal of the cedar and the formation of stone pine forests. Creating stocks of cedar seeds, the nutcracker hides them in small (up to 30 nuts) portions in numerous places, more or less evenly distributed on uncovered and forested areas in the upper soil horizons and in the moss cover. Due to this, in places where the seeds of the nutcracker were lost or not used for any other reason, single or group seedlings of the cedar are formed.

In addition to nutcracker, chipmunk, squirrel, sable, bear, woodpecker, nuthatch, etc. feed on Siberian cedar seeds, but they cannot be called obligate consorts of cedar: in the diet of these animals, cedar seeds are not mandatory. only sable ( Martes zibellina L.), for normal life and reproduction, a certain amount of seeds of this breed is required.

Among animals feeding on other parts of the cedar (needles, wood, bast, etc.), obligate consorts are apparently absent. There are no obligate consorts in Siberian pine, probably among fungi, including those forming mycorrhiza. Although Siberian pine is a highly mycotrophic plant and cannot grow in the absence of mycorrhiza, mycorrhizal fungi associated only with Siberian pine have not yet been identified. So far, only one thing is known: the cedar develops mycorrhiza with the same types of fungi as other forest-forming species.

Chemical composition

Oxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic phenolic acids were found in the bast.

The chemical composition of the oleoresin of the Siberian cedar changes when climbing the mountains: the content of α-pinene decreases (from 50.5% to 39.1%) and the amount of Δ3-carene and β-phellandrene increases, respectively, from 27.6% to 39.5% and from 6.4 to 8.4%.

Siberian pine needles contain 0.8-1.05% essential oil. α-pinene (56.6-63.2%), β-pinene (0.95-1.38%), β-phellandrene (0.78-1.71%), limonene (0. 97-2.03%), germacrene-D (10.8-15.8%), cadinenes (5.7-8.4%), β-myrcene, cis-β-ocimene (0.46%), α-terpinene, pair-cymene, γ-terpinene, α-terpinolene, α-thuyene, camphene, sabinene, Δ3 carene, α-bisabolene, β-bizabolene, α- and β-caryophyllenes, bornylacetate, etc.

The needles of the cedar growing in the Novosibirsk region contain trace elements: manganese 756 mg/kg, iron 151 mg/kg, boron 13 mg/kg, zinc 12.6 mg/kg, molybdenum 2.6 mg/kg, copper 2.5 mg /kg.

The kernel contains amino acids - alanine 5.37 g/100 g of protein, arginine, aspartic acid, histidine, glycine, glutamic acid, proline, tyrosine, serine, cystine, including essential ones: lysine 5.74 g/100 g of protein , methionine 1.6, tryptophan 1.23, valine 3.39, leucine + isoleucine 15, threonine 3.1, phenylalanine 6.47. Nut oil contains fatty acids: myristic 0.1-1.26%, palmitic 3.6-7.26%, palmitooleic 0.04-1.19%, stearic 1.77-4.86%, oleic 19, 9-26.3%, linoleic 38.8-46.7%, linolenic 18.9-23.7%, arachidic 0.28-1.64%, eicosadiene 0.58-1.24%, eicosatriene 0, 94-1.35%.

19 amino acids have been identified in nut kernel proteins, 70% of which are essential or conditionally essential. Free amino acids found 18, dominated by glutamic acid, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, proline, tyrosine, alanine. The kernel of nuts contains essential amino acids threonine 0.24-0.31%, valine 0.44-1.05%, methionine 0.14-0.39%, isoleucine 0.39-0.88%, leucine 0.69 -1.33%, lysine 0.35-0.78%, phenylalanine 0.35-0.81%, tryptophan. In terms of the content of phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, arginine and tryptophan, pine nut proteins are not inferior to the proteins of the main cereals and oilseeds, and in terms of the content of individual amino acids (cystine and tryptophan), nut proteins are close to dairy products proteins, surpassing them in arginine content. Pine nut amino acids, due to their specific composition, not only provide the structural-plastic and regulatory function of proteins, but also participate in the prevention of certain metabolic disorders in the human body.

The kernel of nuts contains mono- and disaccharides 2.57-4.92%, dextrins 2.08-2.53%, starch 5.26-6.11%. The kernel of nuts contains riboflavin 0.93-1.2 mg%, thiamine 0.24-0.66 mg%, tocopherols 9.2-32.8 mg%, vitamins B3, B5, B6 are also found. By the content of tocopherols, thiamine and riboflavin, pine nuts are significantly superior to other nuts. Found in nut kernels ascorbic acid 64 mg%. Nuts serve as a rich source of magnesium, which is necessary for normalizing cholesterol metabolism, preventing stone formation and reducing the excitability of the nervous system. Nut kernel contains iron 1.8-4.2 mg%, magnesium 244-440 mg%, zinc 0.85-2.1 mg%, iodine 0.03-0.07 mg%, silver 0.003-0.006 mg%. The content of fatty oil in the kernel of the nut varies depending on the degree of maturity, the zone of growth of the plant and can reach 63-66%.

Pine nuts collected in the Irkutsk region contain iodine 0.387-0.741 mg/kg, manganese 5.43-15.15 mg/kg, cobalt 0.107-0.197 mg/kg, copper 2.18-3.816 mg/kg, nickel 0.046 -0.073 mg/kg. Especially valuable is the high content of iodine, manganese and copper. The content of trace elements in nuts may vary depending on the year of collection by 15-60%.

The kernel of pine nuts contains fatty oil 56-63%, protein 17-23%, carbohydrates 10-14%, phosphatides 0.65-1.12%. Contains macroelements: calcium 16-20 mg%, magnesium 200-260 mg%, microelements - iodine 0.38-0.74 mg/kg, manganese 7-15.1 mg/kg, iron 7-18 mg/kg, cobalt , copper and nickel; vitamin E 9.24-10.9 mg%. Cedar oil contains vitamin E - 27.6 mg%, vitamin B1 0.51-0.66 mg%. The iodine number of cedar oil is 155-169. The nut kernel contains pentosans 2.1%, starch 12.4%. In fatty oil oleic acid 33.7-35.8%, linoleic acid 31.1-34.3%, linolenic 20.6-27.7%.

Pine nuts contain macronutrients (mg per 100 g of dry kernels): phosphorus 486-716, magnesium 396-488, potassium 350-403, calcium 35-49, iron 2-3.8; trace elements (mg per 1 kg of dry kernel): manganese 5.1-9.7, copper 1.5-3.1, silicon 2.1-3.1, iodine 0.38-0.71, silver 0.028-0.071 , as well as molybdenum, boron, nickel, cobalt, zinc, etc. Compared with other nut crops common in Russia, Siberian pine nuts are distinguished by a high content of phosphorus and especially magnesium. One hundred grams of the pine nut kernel fully satisfies the daily human need for magnesium, 200 g of the kernel - for phosphorus.

The kernel of pine nuts contains carbohydrates (%): glucose 2-3.8, fructose 0.14-0.3, sucrose 0.23-0.71, dextrins 2.1-2.5, starch 5.2-6 .11, pentosans 1.72-2.11; oil 59.2-66.3, nitrogenous substances 2.8-3.3, phosphatides 1.16-1.41 (by their number, pine nuts surpass the fruits of other nut crops and oilseeds). Cedar oil contains (%) linoleic acid 50.8-67, linolenic 14.9-27.4, oleic 10.4-22.3; tocopherols 47.8-68.2 mg%, including α-tocopherol 25.2-34.4 mg%, γ-tocopherol 5.8-6.6 mg%, δ-tocopherol 16.8-26.2 mg %.

Siberian pine seeds contain condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), hydrolysable tannins (derivatives of gallic and ellagic acids), flavonoids (eriodictyol, taxifolin), epicatechin, lilac and vanillic acids, as well as small amounts of catechin, protocatechuic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, naringenin and others

17 fatty acids were found in the pine nut kernel: myristic 0.7%, palmitic 6.4-7.6%, palmitooleic 0.08-0.3%, stearic 3.2-4%, oleic 21.7-26, 2%, linoleic (ω6) 38.4-44.3%, γ-linolenic (ω6) 16.8-18.7%, α-linolenic (ω3) 0.31-0.45%, eicosadiene (ω6) 0.6-0.7%, eicosatriene (ω6) 1.2%, etc.

The fatty oil of pine nuts contains 5-11% saturated acids, oleic 10.4-26.5%, linoleic 38.8-59.1%, γ-linolenic 14.8-24.4%, α-linolenic 0.15- 1.35%, eicosadienic 0.58-1.24%, eicosatriene 0.94-1.35%. Pine nut oil contains tocopherols up to 58-70 mg% (all α, β, γ, δ isomers are present). The composition of the fatty oil varies greatly depending on the zone of growth of the cedar pine. So, in the Irkutsk region, the content of linoleic acid in oil is 50.8-61.4%, linolenic 14.9% - 27.4%, and in the Novosibirsk region, respectively, 53.9-67% and 17.6-25, 2%, Tomsk region 40.4-44.5% and 18.2-21.9%. With an increase in geographical latitude, an increase in the amount of tocopherols in cedar oil is observed. So, in Siberian pine from the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the amount of tocopherols in walnut oil is 49.6 mg%, in Gorny Altai 35.1-67.1 mg%, in the Irkutsk region 47.8-64.6 mg%, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug 40-121 mg%. In most regions, the main isomer is α-tocopherol (from 50.5 to 61.2% of the total amount of tocopherols).

Pharmacological properties

Pine nut oil normalizes the lipid spectrum of the blood, lowers cholesterol levels, helps to reduce excess body weight. A number of physiological effects of cedar oil are associated with the presence of identified terpenes in it.

Economic importance and application

Cedar wood is soft, light and durable, with a pleasant smell, highly valued, used, in particular, for the production of pencils. The wood has a beautiful texture, shades from pink and light beige to pale chocolate and dark brown. It does not give in to moisture and is not corroded by bugs, it is almost not subject to decay, wormholes. Easily amenable to various types of processing, it is very well planed, polished and dries with virtually no cracking. Due to these properties, cedar wood is in demand in the manufacture of furniture, crafts, housing construction, and interior decoration. Wood has resonant properties; pianos, harps, guitars are made from it.

The stock of timber in middle-aged cedar forests is 260-560 m³/ha.

In traditional crafts, in addition to wood, thin cedar roots are used. Vessels of various shapes and sizes are woven from them - rhizomes.

Pine nuts are a valuable food product that can be eaten both raw and after heat treatment. In terms of the amount of phosphatide phosphorus, pine nuts surpass all other types of nuts and oilseeds and are equivalent to soybeans, the richest source of lecithin among vegetable raw materials. The daily human need for such deficient trace elements as manganese, copper, zinc and cobalt is provided by 100 g of nut kernels. They are also a rich source of iodine. Among carbohydrates, cedar seeds contain (%): starch - 5.80; glucose - 2.83; dextrins - 2.26; fiber - 2.21. Fructose and sucrose make up only 0.25 and 0.44%. Pine nut protein is characterized by a high content of lysine, methionine and tryptophan - the most deficient essential amino acids, which usually limit the biological value of proteins.

The yield of nuts in various types of cedar forests of Western Siberia is from 10 to 640 kg / ha (broad-grass cedar forests are the most productive, sphagnum - low-yielding).

Application in medicine

Pine nut oil is a complete source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). To meet the daily requirement of essential fatty acids, you need to consume about 20 ml of oil per day. It has a cholesterol-lowering effect, contributes to the normalization of the lipid spectrum of blood (HDL cholesterol levels increased by 29%, and LDL levels decreased by 21%, the atherogenic index decreased by 40%), lowering systolic blood pressure and reducing overweight.

Crushed pine nuts inhibit gastric secretion, the production of gastric juice decreases and its acidity decreases. One hundred grams of pine nuts covers the daily human need for vitamin E.

The preventive efficacy of cedar oil was confirmed when it was included in the diet of patients with cardiovascular pathology.

Use for other purposes

It is possible to produce confectionery products enriched with protein products from Siberian pine nut kernels, which can be recommended for functional and therapeutic nutrition. On the basis of cedar oil, formulations of three-component mixtures of vegetable oils have been developed, optimized in terms of the composition of acids ω-3 and ω-6 and intended for functional nutrition. Combined products with cedar cake have been developed: cheeses, mayonnaises, confectionery pastes, instant cereals, food concentrates - semi-finished flour confectionery products, bakery products.

Genetics

In 2014, studies were carried out on the polymorphism of Siberian stone pine at five loci (RPS-124, RPS-90, PTTX-2123, PTTX-2146, PICO) with a primer annealing temperature of 55 ˚C. The analysis showed that for RPS-124, RPS-90, PTTX-2123 the level of variability is low, the trees are monomorphic, however, for PTTX-2146, a third allelic variant was identified, which is typical for Siberian dwarf pine, which indicates the likelihood of distant hybridization. The highest level of genetic polymorphism shows

This variety of cedar has several distinctive features:

flat top;
barrel-shaped cone;
dark triangular protrusion on the upper edge of the seed scale.

The plant lives at an altitude of 1000-2000 m above sea level in the Turkish Taurus and Antitaurus mountains, in Lebanon and Syria. In Russia, this tree grows on the coast of Crimea.
The life span of the Lebanese is 2000-3000 years. Crimean representatives of the species live less - 150-200 years. This is due to the calcareous soil unsuitable for the plant.

Himalayan

The crown of the plant looks like a wide cone. The branches are arranged horizontally, at the ends they bend down. In its natural environment, it lives in East Asia: in the northwest of the Himalayas, in the mountains of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and India. It grows at an altitude of up to 3500 m above sea level.

The life span is 1000 years. In favorable conditions, it lives up to 3000 years.

Cypriot (short coniferous)

This species differs from relatives in short needles up to 1 cm, short stature up to 12 m and smaller cones. Crown shape changes with age. At first it looks like a cone, then it takes on a wide-spreading shape, in old age it becomes like an umbrella.

The Cypriot cedar lives in the lower belt of dry coniferous forests of the island of Cyprus. Some biologists attribute it to a variety of Lebanese cedar. The plant lives up to 500 years.

Atlas

It has a pyramidal crown. With age, the top becomes flat. The leaves and buds are smaller than the Lebanese variety, but larger than the Cypriot cedar. Some botanists attribute the tree to the Lebanese species.

The life span is 800 years. In the wild, it grows at an altitude of 1300-2000 m above sea level on Mount Atlas in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

Thanks to artificial breeding, all types of plants, except for the short-coniferous, now grow in Russia on the Black Sea coast and the south of Central Asia.

Where do cedar pines grow

Siberian pine is a much more common species. In the wild, it lives in the taiga, in the mountains and in the swamps. Meets in Mongolia and Northern China.

In our country, it grows mainly in Western Siberia. In Eastern Siberia grows closer to the southern border. Grows in Central and Southern Altai. To the west of the Ural Mountains, the tree is distributed up to the Timan Ridge.

Cedar pine is also found in the European north of Russia. In these parts it prevails in the Arkhangelsk and Vologda regions. Several trees remained in the Kostroma region.

Pine nuts

What we used to call pine nuts has nothing to do with cedar. True cedar seeds are inedible. Siberian nuts are eaten
Pine nut shells are widely used. Their oil has found application in cosmetology.

Cedar pine seeds are rich in vitamins and microelements.

They have many useful properties:

increase physical and psychological tone;
improve brain function;
slow down the aging process;
reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases;
strengthen skin, hair, and nails;
have a beneficial effect on the nervous and reproductive systems;
increase potency;
normalize blood clotting;
stimulate the independent production of vitamins;
maintain normal hemoglobin;
contribute to the production of collagen, necessary for the joints and skin;
normalize the water-salt balance;
strengthen bones;
increase attention;
improve memory.

Infusions and decoctions are made on the shells of cedar seeds. Due to their anti-inflammatory action, they are used to treat wounds, ulcers and other manifestations of skin diseases. When ingested, the digestive tract improves.

Oil in medicine is used as part of ointments and inhalations. As a cosmetic product helps in the restoration of hair, eyelashes and skin. It is added to creams and masks.

Is it possible to grow real cedar in the middle lane

It is believed that true cedar can withstand frosts down to -30 C. But this is true only for a short-term drop in temperature. The tree will not survive the winter.
In our country, real cedar is found only on the Black Sea coast.

In colder regions, dwarf breeds are grown at home. Unfortunately, it will not work to enjoy the mighty handsome man on the plot.

Features of growing cedar pine

But Siberian in Russia is successfully grown in any climate. The main thing is to responsibly approach the choice of a site for planting and properly care for the plant.
The first 5 years the tree is grown at home in a pot. Only after reaching a height of 1 meter, the plant is transplanted into open ground.

A sprout or seed is planted in a spacious container so that the root system is comfortable. The pot must have drainage holes and a drip tray to drain excess liquid.

The soil should be chosen loose and fertile, without peat. To protect against pests, oxidizing agents are added to the soil.

As a top dressing, a biostimulator of root growth is used. Preference is given to special fertilizers for coniferous plants. Excessive use of additives to pine will hurt.

Siberian pines love plentiful during the hot season. In summer, the soil around the tree is moistened as it dries. In autumn, watering is reduced, in winter it is stopped altogether.
In order to bring the conditions of detention as close as possible to the natural habitat, for the winter the tree is put on a balcony or on the street. It is not necessary to cover the plant.

When planting in open ground, site selection is important. It should be borne in mind that the pine tree has a spreading crown. A mature tree will need enough space.

When planting in groups, a distance of at least 7 m is observed between plants. It is necessary to retreat from the walls of buildings by at least 3 m.

Cedar pine loves sunlight. At the same time, it is resistant to cold and winds. A well-lit hill will be optimal for landing. It is worth giving preference to loamy loose soil without an excess of groundwater.

Siberian pine is hardy. In winter, it is not covered or mulched. She does not need fertilizing and watering.

Tree pruning is done in the spring. It is enough to remove the dried branches. Decorative shaping is usually not required. For the procedure, use a sharp secateurs, disinfected with alcohol. Places of cuts must be treated with pitch.

Cedar is a beautiful and powerful plant. Unfortunately, only residents of the southern regions can become its owner in our country.

The rest of the gardeners have to enjoy the Siberian in their backyard. She has little in common with a true cedar, but she is also very beautiful.

Get even more information about the Siberian pine when watching the video:

Cedar pine is a unique plant that adorns the forests and landscapes of our country and other territories. It has beneficial for the environment and healing properties for the body. Outwardly, this is a powerful, luxurious plant, stately, tall. Its wood, needles, nuts are highly valued. Many people call cedar pine cedar, but there are fundamental differences between them.

Description

An informal group of cedar pines brings together several varieties of trees. In our country, Siberian pine is considered the most common. Siberian cedar pine is considered a symbolic plant for Russia, it is impossible not to admire its beauty and healing properties. This tree feels great in any frost. This coniferous plant is surprisingly organic. In height, it calmly grows up to 35 meters, and in girth - from one and a half to two. Pine grows slowly, but lives for a long time. On average, the duration of the active healthy existence of a pine tree is about 400 years. There are specimens that live up to 800-900 years. Pine needles release a huge amount of phytoncides into the air, so breathing in such an area is good for health.

The air in a pine forest of any variety has the following properties:

sterility;
healing;
powerful resistance to viruses;
It has a great effect not only on the state of health of the body, but also on the state of the nervous system, calming it.

Cedar pine is used to treat scurvy, neurosis, and strengthen the immune system. Pine has a wound-healing effect, wood actively fights bacteria. As for nut fruits, in addition to their exquisite taste, they are extremely nutritious and healthy.

The cedar pine looks spectacular. Description of her appearance and properties:

branches grow compactly and densely, forming an elegant crown;
the needles are narrow and hard to the touch;
length of needles up to 13 cm, has excellent healing properties, full of minerals, vitamins;
the needles have a dark green tint, with a bluish interspersed, soft to the touch;
needles are formed in bunches;
thickened branches;
straight type trunk, gray-brown color;
the root system is powerful;
rod-type root with lateral branches;
the growing season is short - up to one and a half months;
this is a monoecious species of dioecious species, cones of both sexes are located on the same tree;
pollinated by the wind;
the kidneys are cone-shaped, up to 10 mm long;
flowering and pollination occurs in June;
the cones are large, egg-shaped, at first they have a purple hue, then brownish;
cone width from 5 to 8 cm, length - up to 13 cm, with dense scales;
cones begin to bear fruit after 60 years, not earlier;
maturation of cones lasts up to 15 months, after which they fall off on their own;
the tree blooms and abundantly seeds every 3-10 years;
in cones there are on average from 30 to 150 nuts, the weight of 100 pieces is 25 g.

Spreading

Cedar pine grows (mainly Korean and Siberian varieties) in the natural environment of Russia in different regions of the Siberian district, in Primorye, Khabarovsk Territory. It takes root well in all latitudes with a temperate climate, so cedar pine is actively grown by gardeners from different regions. Pine trees are successfully bred in the Moscow region, the central regions of the country, in the Leningrad region, in the Altai and the Urals. This tree grows even in the Arctic.

If the plant is planted on soil with good fertility, actively fed, cultivated, then fruiting begins much earlier, about 3 times. For example, in nature, pine does not bear fruit before 40 years, with an intensity of once every 7 years. Under the conditions of cultivation in gardens, this happens after 15 years with an intensity of once every 2.5 years. Cedar elfin grows in Primorsky Krai, on Sakhalin, in Siberia, Mongolia. European pine is regionally distributed in the south of France, in the Alps, Switzerland, and the Carpathians.

Comparison with cedar

Cedar and cedar pine are often confused, despite all the differences. First of all, three types of Cedrus (cedars) grow in their natural environment: Atlas, Lebanese and Himalayan. Both of these trees are tall, large and are evergreen. But cedar grows in subtropical climates.

The main difference with pine is that cedar will not be able to grow in the middle lane. Cedar wood is more valuable. Pinus (cedar pine) belongs to the pine family, not the cedar family. Outwardly, it differs from the cedar in the formation of needles - bundle-like, in each bundle there are 5 needles. The needles of the cedar are formed differently - the bundles are denser, at least 30 needles.

Overview of species and varieties

In the nature of Russia, the Siberian species of cedar pine is common. There are several more varieties of cedar pine in nature:

Korean;
European;
elfin - more reminiscent of a shrub tree with a multi-topped crown.

The Korean species Pinus koraiensis is also called Manchurian, Far Eastern. This conifer reaches a height of up to 50 meters, with a diameter of up to 2 meters. Very resistant to winds, loves light and fertile soil types. Stagnation of water is a problem for them, it affects the development negatively. There are several varieties and varieties of Korean. We list the most common.

Soulange Korean

This variety grows up to 40 m, has green needles with a bluish tint. Bark of good density, openwork type. Fruiting begins after about 15 years. It takes root well in an urban environment with its unclean air. Often used to decorate parks and squares.

Pine "Silverey"

It belongs to decorative varieties. It has a pyramid-shaped crown, long curved needles. The color of the needles is blue with a silvery sheen. Already at 10 years old, the tree reaches a height of 2.5 meters and 1.2 meters in diameter. It tolerates cold well, but requires soil fertility, stagnant water leads to damage and disease. In the late 70s, this variety was separated into a separate one, until this period it was combined with glauca.

"Morris Blue"

The variety bred by Pennsylvania breeders is frost-resistant. It has a dense type of bark, blue needles with a silvery sheen. It grows up to 20 cm per year, the maximum height is 350 cm, the crown diameter is up to 1.8 m. In cities, it grows inactively, whimsical to the purity of the air and the sun, it does not tolerate stagnant water well. The maximum life expectancy is 120 years.

European cedar pine in Russia is most often represented by the variety Pinus cembra Glauca Compacta (“Glauca compacta”). This variety originated in the Netherlands.

This is a dwarf pine of a slow-growing type with bluish needles. It grows well in urban conditions, in its natural environment it can be seen in the mountains at least 1300 meters above sea level. Glauka grows up to a maximum of 2.5 meters, a diameter of about 1 meter. Lives very long - up to 1000 years.

Landing features

Cedar pine can be planted by growing from seeds. Three months are allotted for stratification, the seeds are disinfected with diluted potassium permanganate. This guarantees a greater resistance of the future seedling to diseases. The second way is planting a seedling, it is more comfortable. It is best to plant a five-year-old grafted seedling. Its maximum growth should be 1 meter, trunk diameter up to 2 cm. The vulnerability of pine seedlings is great, so planting requires accuracy.

Get a seedling with a large earthen clod or in a container, their root system dries out very quickly. They plant a pine in the spring, having previously selected the optimal place:

it should be well lit, with age the tree needs more and more sunlight;
areas with high gas content are not suitable for many varieties and types of pine;
if the soil is clay, drainage is necessary;
lime will help reduce acidity.

Drop off algorithm:

it is necessary to ensure weeding of the territory;
form a hole, focusing on the size of the earthy coma at the roots, it should be 2 times deeper;
place drainage (gravel, plugs, fragments of ceramics);
place the tree in a hole, enter soil with peat or humus;
rhizomes should be carefully untangled before planting;
it is necessary to moisten the soil after planting abundantly, it will take about 5 liters of water;
you will need a stake to which you can tie a seedling;
between cedar pines cannot be less than 6 meters.

You can accelerate the growth of pine trees in the garden by providing them with good nutrition and proper care. You need to take care of the tree by carrying out all standard procedures:

loosening;
weeding;
moisturizing;
fertilizer.

Feeding should be carried out with organic means, for example, diluted mullein. In the autumn, it is good to feed the plant with minerals. Well stimulates the growth of a tree planted nearby lupine.

Humidification should be done only as needed. In summer, more often, in all other seasons, the level of soil aridity is preliminarily checked. Excessive moisture adversely affects the development of pine, the root system begins to rot. Loosening is carried out as carefully as possible, since the roots are close. Another mandatory process is mulching, so the soil will be more breathable and water-retaining. You can use needles, humus, sawdust.

Crown formation is very important for beautiful pine growth. The garden form of the plant has a sprawling appearance with several peaks. The first decade, the lower branches are cut no more than 2.5 meters from the ground.

The cut must be treated with garden pitch. Any pruning is carried out in winter and early spring.

reproduction

Methods of propagation of this plant distinguish two:

vegetative - when a cutting is grafted;
seed, that is, nuts from cones.

The seed method is the most fascinating and common. The main thing is that the nuts are of high quality. If you decide to use ordinary nuts from purchased cones as seeds, you need to increase the amount of planting material, since it is not known how many of them will sprout.

Pine is sown in mid-spring - until early May. Stratification, that is, forced cooling, is mandatory. This process perfectly stimulates the embryos to grow. Without this event, the seeds will sprout at best in a year, if they do not rot. After that, the seeds must be filled with water at a temperature of about + 45 ° C and maintained for three days. Next, the nuts are combined with wet sand or peat crumbs in a ratio of 1 to 3. There should not be too much moisture - this is an important point, the lump should form in the hand and keep its shape.

The mixture is introduced into a container made of plywood with holes, the height of the layer is not more than 20 cm. There must be air access to the holes, therefore, the container is installed at a height in a cold room of no more than + 6 ° C. Twice a month, this mixture must be kneaded and watered. Minus temperatures are unacceptable. After the sprouts hatch, they are planted in open ground and protected from birds, bad weather with boxes or rod products. After a month, they can be removed, the emerging seedlings are already quite strong for independent growth.

Diseases and pests

Most often, diseases of this tree have a fungal cause. Young trees can be infected with soil fungi and die. Fungi can cause tracheomycosis wilt, when the roots turn brown, nutrients stop flowing through the vessels into the trunk. Treatment of fungal diseases is complex, most often unpromising.

The Siberian cedar in Russia became known to people at the end of the 17th century. Despite the fact that the tree is called cedar, it has nothing to do with real cedars: Himalayan and Lebanese.

Description

Siberian cedar is an evergreen tree that belongs to the genus Pine. In height, the cedar can reach 44 meters, the trunk of old trees in diameter can reach 2 meters. The lifespan of a cedar is about 500 years. The needles of the tree have a dark green color, can reach a length of 14 cm. The needles grow in bunches, five needles each. The root of the tree is short, taproot, branching.

Spreading

The cedar is especially widespread in Western Siberia, in the Urals, in Eastern Siberia, in Altai, in Mongolia, in Northern China, in the Sikhote-Alin mountains. There are also artificial plantations of cedar in the European Northern part of Russia: in the Arkhangelsk region, Vologda, Yaroslavl, Kostroma regions. Siberian cedar is often confused with Korean and European cedar, but these trees have some differences.

Collection and storage

Siberian Cedar blooms in July, and the seeds ripen in August - early September, when they are collected by cones. To extract seeds from a cone, the latter is heated in a special drying machine, where, under the influence of temperature, the scales are bent, and the seeds themselves fall.

In case of poor separation of seeds from the cone, mechanical processing is used. After the seeds are pulled out, they are laid out in the sun to dry. It is very important not to miss the moment when the peel is already dry, but the seed inside is still soft. It is during this period that the seeds must be removed from the sun.

Seeds can be stored for no more than 6 months. After this period, their composition begins to change dramatically: poisonous products appear. The seed changes shape, color, taste. Seeds are also susceptible to moisture. Accordingly, they need to be stored in a ventilated place, in a fabric bag, periodically pouring into a container and allowing the accumulated moisture to evaporate.

Application

Cedar forests are famous for their fresh air and pleasant aroma. The thing is that cedar releases substances such as phytoncides into the air. They disinfect the air. Walking through the cedar forests is also very useful for mental disorders, nervous diseases.

For bronchial asthma, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, decoctions and tinctures are used. Also, with various diseases of the oral cavity, to improve the quality of blood, to cleanse blood vessels, with uterine bleeding, it is recommended to use a decoction of pine needles. Tincture of needles is used for skin inflammation.

In rheumatism and similar diseases, alcohol tinctures and turpentine baths are used as rubbing. To relieve fatigue, it is recommended to take baths with infusion of cedar needles. In the treatment of gastrointestinal inflammation, they drink a tincture of cones. Camphor oil of Siberian cedar is excellent in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system as an aromatherapy.

Siberian cedar, or rather its fruits and needles, are used for the following diseases:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Tuberculosis
Tracheitis
Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Angina
Stomatitis
Runny nose
Purulent skin lesions
Mastitis
Rheumatism
Arthritis
Gout
Peptic ulcer of the stomach or intestines
Pneumonia
Nervous disorders
Schizophrenia
Scurvy
Uterine bleeding
Chronic fatigue
Inflammation of the gums

Beneficial features

Recipes

Infusion of cedar needles for rinsing the mouth with inflammation of the gums prepared according to this recipe: Siberian cedar, needles, in the amount of 5 grams, are ground in a mortar. Pour in a glass of warm water. Put on fire and cook for 20 minutes. After that, it is removed from the stove, infused for another half an hour and filtered. Rinses must be carried out several times a day, in addition, the same solution can be used orally to saturate the body with vitamin C, which is so necessary for inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

For external use, infusion of cedar needles prepared as follows: 0.5 kg of needles are poured with 3 liters of boiling water. Insist about 6 hours, filter. Add to warm water bath. Take this bath for 30 minutes every other day.

For respiratory diseases prepare an infusion of cedar buds: crushed buds in the amount of 10 grams are poured with a liter of boiling water, insisted in a warm place, for example, in a thermos, for 3 hours. Filter. Take 3 times a day for a tablespoon, after meals.

As a diuretic and choleretic agent prepare a decoction according to the following recipe: Siberian cedar, kidneys, 2 tbsp. pour a glass of boiling water. Boil in a water bath for about 30 minutes. After that, insist another 40 minutes. Filter. Take daily for a week, 3 times a day, half a glass.

With uterine bleeding, mastitis, drink a decoction of the shell of nuts: 1 cup of the shell must be poured with a glass of boiling water, then boil for 30 minutes. Remove from stove and leave for 2 hours. Express. Take before meals 3 times a day, half a glass.

For peptic ulcers of the intestines and stomach Siberian cedar oil is recommended. Apply it in a teaspoon half an hour before meals - in the morning, and 2 hours after eating - in the evening.

For respiratory diseases make compresses from turpentine and petroleum jelly, in a ratio of 1 to 5.

Application restrictions

angina pectoris
Pregnancy
Oncological neoplasms
Individual intolerance

Cedar is a rare guest in the Central Russian expanses, which is why questions often arise about how a tree looks and what features it has. But in the field of landscape design, this coniferous giant has practically no competitors - its majesty attracts attention and allows you to set the tone for the entire composition. The Lebanese cedars mentioned in ancient manuscripts, the relic cedars of the Crimea and the unique alpine groves of the Himalayas - all of them managed to become real sights and today attract thousands of tourists to their places of growth.

Before deciding to buy a seedling from a nursery, it is worthwhile to study the features of this unique plant in as much detail as possible. Only in this case the tree will feel good and become a true decoration of the site.

What does it look like?

The evergreen cedar tree belongs to the Pinaceae family, the genus Cedrus and is a real record holder among centenarians. On average, a tree lives from 500 to 1000 years, reaching a height of about 40-50 m. The maximum height is reached by an adult plant, in the absence of favorable conditions for growth, it remains rather stunted. The root system of a tree, according to the botanical description, largely depends on the type of soil and growing conditions. Cedar quite easily adapts to different viscosity and friability of the base on which it grows. It forms a branched surface system that allows the plant to receive enough nutrition. But such an unreliable foundation makes these gigantic trees prone to windblows, so they are best planted in areas protected from the influence of winds.

The rate of growth per year largely depends on the age of the tree. It can be up to 100% in young trees and even exceed this figure. Thus, a seedling 15 cm tall, under favorable conditions, gives spring and autumn growth in total up to 30 cm per year. Mature trees on average add no more than 20 cm.

The description of the trees of the genus Cedar indicates that they belong to oligotypic plants, that is, they do not have a large species diversity. The appearance is also quite uniform. The coniferous tree has a spreading lush crown with branches abundantly forming side shoots. At first its shape is pyramidal, then it takes the form of an umbrella. The trunks of young cedars are always smooth, with a rich gray bark; in an adult plant, it becomes fissured, acquires a scaly structure. On some branches there are both long and short shoots, on elongated needles it is located in a spiral.

Cedar needles have the shape of a trihedron or tetrahedron, rather rigid and dense, pointed at the ends. The color depends on the species - there are trees with blue-green, gray and dark green needles. The needles grow in bunches of 5-30 pieces, the exact number depends on the species. Cedar refers to monoecious plants that form both female and male inflorescences.

Where does it grow?

In the Moscow region, in Siberia and other regions of Russia located north of the subtropical climate zone, cedars do not survive due to prolonged frosts. But they feel good in the conditions of the Central Chernozem region. So, in the reserves of the Caucasus, relict trees are found as part of mixed forests. In a wild form, they can be found on the territory of the southern coast of Crimea, where even in winter the minimum temperature values \u200b\u200bdo not reach −25 degrees Celsius. On the territory of Ukraine, cedars can be seen in Odessa and near other cities on the Black Sea coast.

Under natural conditions, these representatives of the pine family are found in the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, as well as on the slopes of the Himalayas on the western side. Short coniferous varieties of Lebanese cedar grow in Turkey and Cyprus.

How does it bloom?

Flowering of cedar occurs in autumn. During this period, spikelets of female and male type are formed on its branches. Their location is always solitary. Men's in the form of high candles, located vertically, single, with bunches of needles around. Female, up to 5 cm long, are decorated with many stamens arranged in a spiral. Pollination occurs with the help of wind and does not require the participation of insects.

At what age does it bear fruit?

Cones appear already at a fairly mature age. The first fruits of the cedar give no earlier than 25 years. As long as the tree grows rapidly, it does not bear fruit. From the moment it reaches maturity, barrel-shaped cones appear on the branches twice a year. We have to wait a long time for seed material. The cone ripens for 2-3 years, the tree discards the fruits gradually and only in the autumn-winter period. The fruits of plants of the genus Cedrus are inedible, abundantly saturated with resin. Like other conifers, the seed is equipped with a lionfish, the length of the fruit itself does not exceed 15-17 mm.

Life span

The lifespan of a cedar depends on the conditions of its growth. For example, in its homeland in Libya, the Lebanese species lives for several thousand years, and with cultivated cultivation in the Russian south - no more than 80 years. The needles on the tree also have their own characteristics - its life span is 3-6 years, partial renewal annually reaches 15-20% of the total crown.

View overview

Real cedars belong to the category of heat-loving plants that are not common north of the subtropics. They do not grow in temperate climates. BUT those trees that are commonly called cedars in Russia belong to the cedar pine. In addition, this also includes the European, Korean variety and cedar. Not related to the cedar genus, Spanish, Alaskan yellow, Canadian red and eastern red cedar - they all represent other genera of conifers, from pine to juniper and arborvitae.

In total, 4 species are included in the genus Cedrus. Among them are well-known conifers, as well as plants found in certain areas and endangered.

Lebanese cedar

The most famous species of cedar, in the wild today is under threat of extinction. In Lebanon, Cedrus libani grows in the mountains at an altitude of 1000-2000 m. To date, 6 preserved groves are known where this tree can be observed in its natural habitat. They form the Horsh-Arz-el-Rab Forest or the Divine Forest, which is under the protection of UNESCO. Its visit is strictly limited and requires a special permit.

In cultural breeding, it has been found since 1683. The first planted specimens are still preserved in the south of France and in Italy. Today, the view is widely used by European designers in the design of landscapes. The Lebanese cedar also takes root well in Russia - in the Black Sea region, the Caucasus mountains, in the Crimea, it is also actively grown in Central Asia. The leaves, more precisely, the needles of the tree are elongated, up to 3.5 cm, its change occurs 1 time in 2 years. The shoots form a branched crown, conical in young trees and umbrella-shaped in mature ones. The maximum height of the trunk is 50 m, its girth reaches 2.5 m. Outside the natural conditions of growth, undersized forms are most often found.

The Lebanese cedar has 2 subtypes - the main and Turkish (or Ararat), growing on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains. In addition, there are many cultivated ornamental varieties that are small in stature.

Glauca. Form with weeping shoots of a bluish-gray hue. Very decorative, popular with landscape designers.

Sargentii. Woody semi-dwarf form, characterized by elongated weeping shoots. The variety is characterized by very slow growth, by the age of 10 its height rarely exceeds 1 m. This form of Lebanese cedar is suitable for growing in shady areas.

Var stenocoma. A tree with a straight trunk and a conical compact crown, very similar to spruce, grows up to 3 m. The shoots grow upwards, the needles are dense, dark green in color. The variety is suitable for single and group planting.

Nana. Shrub form of the Lebanese cedar with asymmetric wide shoots. It is characterized by slow growth, the maximum crown height reached is about 90 cm. The needles have a dark green saturated color.

beacon hill. Dwarf cedar of Lebanon with weeping branches and decorative golden bark. This form is photophilous, needs a lot of sun. The needles are elegant, bright green, the crown looks like a narrow cone.

All decorative forms are not fruit-bearing plants, growing them from seeds is not possible.

Cypriot or short coniferous cedar

A species that grows exclusively in Cyprus and in some parts of Turkey. One of the smallest forms. In height, the trunk of an adult plant reaches 12 m, while the girth of the trunk remains common with other subspecies, up to 2 m. Short needles grow up to 5-8 mm, forming a lush umbrella crown in combination with raised branches. The Cypriot cedar is recognized as a vulnerable species and is on the verge of extinction. The wild population was almost completely exterminated by the efforts of a person who used wood for various needs. According to some reports, the short-coniferous cedar is a subspecies of the Lebanese cedar. But this opinion is not shared by all botanists.

Deodar

One of the most common species - the Himalayan cedar, grows in the mountainous regions of the northwestern part of the Himalayas, is found everywhere from Nepal to Afghanistan. The tree is able to feel good even at an altitude of up to 3600 m above sea level, it is characterized by increased frost resistance. As part of mixed forests, it gets along well with fir, spruce, and pines of various species. The Himalayan cedar is a real giant, the circumference of its trunk reaches 3 m, and it reaches a height of 50 m. The crown of the tree has a cone-shaped shape with horizontally spreading shoots, has a gray-green color with a pronounced bluish bloom. The needles are elongated, up to 5 cm, growing in bunches of 30-40 pieces, rather soft. Cones ripen faster than other types of cedar, already after 1-1.5 years on the branches they are turned upwards, and do not hang down, like other conifers.

A distinctive feature of the Himalayan cedar can be called resistance to shading and a significant life expectancy - on average from 1000 to 3000 years. The species is suitable for cultivation for landscaping purposes, used in landscape design. Under favorable conditions, it takes root well in the Crimea, countries of Eastern Europe. High decorativeness makes this tree an excellent choice for decorating the site.

Atlas cedar

This species grows on the territory of Algeria and Morocco, in North-West Africa, in the Atlas Mountains. Atlas cedar is one of the rare species of vegetation that can grow on depleted rocky soils. The tree is found at an altitude of more than 1300 m above sea level. It is characterized by a spreading crown with a blue-green tint, emitting a resinous aroma, the wood is also richly saturated with natural essential oils.

Atlas cedar grows up to 50 m in height, the trunk diameter of an adult tree reaches 2 m. This species is easier than the Lebanese, tolerates drought, is able to be content with minimal amounts of incoming moisture. It is worth adding that frosts below -20 degrees are contraindicated for Atlas cedar; when the temperature drops, it dies. This species is suitable for landscape design, it is successfully grown by gardeners in the south of Europe, in China, in Central Asia and in the Caucasus mountains. Decorative weeping species of Atlas cedar, well rooted in the Crimean climate, is obtained by grafting.

Location selection

To choose the right place for planting cedar, you need to take into account the special needs of this plant in lighting and soil quality. In summer, all species except the Himalayan need additional watering, but most of the year the tree needs only light soil moisture without waterlogging and stagnant water. The best choice would be a well-lit area on a hill. Light is generally very important for the proper growth and development of both conventional, wild and cultivated breeds.

The soil must also meet the needs of the seedling. It is good if the site is dominated by loam, well-drained, allowing moisture and air to pass to the roots. Completely open spaces blown by the winds are not suitable for growing cedar. In this case, a strong gust can simply pull a young tree out of the ground. On dry soil with a high lime content, trees do not grow, as there is a high risk of death due to chlorosis.

When group planting, young cedars are usually arranged in curtains, thus protecting plants from negative external influences. In this case, a distance of 2 m between individual trees must be observed. This is due to the superficial type of the root system, in which it acquires a branched appearance and grows strongly. It is impossible to have young cedars in the immediate vicinity of weeping trees, adult birches or aspens. In strong winds, the branches of these deciduous trees can break the seedling. From houses and other buildings with a foundation, cedars, especially non-dwarf forms, are located at a distance of 3 m or more, since there is a high risk that the overgrown roots of an adult tree will begin to destroy buildings.

When placing cedars on the site, the method of planting on a cone of soil is used - this increases the likelihood of survival and greatly facilitates subsequent care. First of all, a pit for a seedling is prepared - it must be at least 1 m deep with a diameter that is 50% larger than the dimensions of the container and earthen coma. At the bottom, a drainage about 10 cm high must be laid, consisting of pebbles, broken bricks, and expanded clay. A sand cushion is laid on top. As a soil mixture, excavated turf with sand, combined in equal proportions, is used. To improve growth, a layer of mature, well-rotted compost can be laid at the bottom of the pit.

Around the pit, within a radius of 1.5 m from its center, the soil is loosened to a depth of 2 shovel bayonets.
In the center, you need to pour soil in a slide to get a cone with an elevation. A seedling freed from the container is placed on top of it. Its roots straighten out, should freely fall down the slope.
The pit is filled with soil 10 cm above the root collar of the plant. This is due to the natural shrinkage of the soil. This approach will avoid exposing the roots.
The earth around the trunk is carefully compacted by hand. From above it is covered with sheet mulch to maintain sufficient soil moisture.
Planted cedar must be watered. There are 9-10 liters of water per seedling, with dry soil this amount doubles. In the absence of rain for the first month, the flow of moisture will have to be regulated independently. Watering will be required every 3 days.

The best time for planting cedar is early autumn, from mid-September to the second decade of October. Be sure to have time to carry out the procedure before the average nighttime temperatures fall below 0 degrees. The choice of seedling also needs to be given great attention. It is optimal to purchase plants at least 7-9 years old. They have a well-developed root system, are not so demanding on the level of lighting on the site, and withstand partial shade.

Features of care

Young cedars require intensive care as they grow, otherwise it will not work to grow a strong and beautiful tree on the site. Fertilizing, pruning, and treating the plant with fungicides are periodically carried out. Starting to grow a seedling in the open field in the country or in a container at home, you should carefully monitor the soil moisture. It will not be so intensive to take care of an adult cedar.

While the trees are young, they can branch, give additional basal shoots. If you want to ensure normal growth of the cedar, you need to cut down the second trunk as soon as possible. The exception is shrub forms formed by grafting. They can have quite intense branching. Here, as a care measure, cutting off the lower branches can be used to avoid their contact with the soil and rotting.

Most species of cedar are not too demanding on the level of moisture, they tolerate dry periods well. Frequent watering is required only for young trees in the first month after planting, as well as in extreme heat. After the introduction of moisture, the soil is necessarily loosened - this improves the nutrition of the roots, ensures the prevention of root rot and the laying of larvae by insects.

At home, with container growing, young cedars are provided with:

intense hydration;
maintaining a constant temperature regime;
draft protection;
increased watering in spring and summer, light shading;
sprinkling with a sprayer;
application of organic fertilizers in spring and autumn.

In home cultivation, decorative forms of cedar are planted in ceramic pots. A mixture of turf, sand and humus is used as a substrate. Transplantation with cutting the roots to half the length is performed every 5 years.

crown formation

Pruning of cedars planted in a summer cottage is carried out mainly for sanitary purposes. This may concern the formation of 2 trunks. A less developed shoot is selected for pruning, it is removed as low as possible, the cut is treated with garden pitch. The crown of the tree forms itself and can change over time - from pyramidal to becoming umbrella. During sanitary pruning in the spring, dried and dead shoots are removed. Broken branches, as well as parts affected by fungus or disease, are pruned throughout the season. The rest are removed only during the period of slow sap flow. If the tree is grown in a pot, it is mandatory to pinch it in the spring, removing young shoots. This work is carried out manually without the use of additional tools.

What to feed?

It is recommended to feed the cedar with complex potash or phosphorus fertilizers. Among the suitable options are the funds "Agricola", "Kemira". They are brought into the ground dissolved in water. You can also place the granules inside the loosened soil before watering. Feeding time throughout the year is in May, July and September. Coniferous plants do not need nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate, urea, herbal infusions or manure can severely damage the root system. From organic fertilizers, only high-quality humus is shown.

reproduction

The reproduction of cedars suitable for growing in the conditions of the subtropical zone in Russia - Lebanese, Himalayan, Atlas, is associated with certain difficulties. If we are talking about decorative species, the seed method will not be available at all. These forms are propagated by grafting onto Scots pine. But the seeds of a wild-growing cedar can be germinated, and the tree itself can be propagated by cuttings, if there is access to planting material.

cuttings

With self-propagation by cuttings, you need to have access to an adult plant. The optimal period for cutting shoots is from the beginning of April to the first decade of May. During this period, active sap flow begins. Cuttings are best done in the early morning in cool weather. Shoots from 5 to 15 cm long are suitable for growing with transplanting into the ground in autumn. It is necessary to separate them from the tree without the help of tools, manually, then part of the bark of the mother tree will remain on the handle. It is better to choose a mother liquor or a donor plant among young cedars about 8-9 years old. In ten-year-old plants, cuttings take root with lower rates of successful establishment.

It is important to consider that by cutting off shoots from the center of the crown, you can get a taller, upward-looking tree. Lateral branches will give in the future a plant with a lush crown and a lower trunk height. Before planting in the greenhouse, the cuttings are stored in a plastic bag filled with wet moss at a temperature of up to +2 degrees. The maximum storage period is 7 days.

During this period, a place is being prepared for the cuttings. Before placing them in open ground, sections are treated with powder growth stimulants. It is impossible to place future seedlings in water, otherwise the bark may peel off. In the greenhouse, boxes with loose soil are prepared for the material, consisting of high-moor peat, soil from coniferous forests, and sand in equal proportions. Holes are dug in the soil at a distance of about 10 cm. The depth of planting cuttings is 3-5 cm, the place around the run is covered with earth, compacted. Watering is carried out by drip irrigation, then the seedlings are shaded and left in the greenhouse. The temperature of the substrate and air should be maintained at + 22-24 degrees. The soil during the rooting period is treated with a mixture of growth stimulants and fungicides.

Growing from seeds

This method is used when obtaining plants for home cultivation. Before placing the seeds in containers, they must be soaked in warm water for 24 hours, after adding a growth stimulator to it in a volume of 2-3 drops. Planting material prepared in this way is buried in a well loosened substrate and placed in a place with a temperature of about +4 degrees. The mass is mixed and loosened every 2 weeks, the surface of the seed container is moistened with a spray bottle. As soon as the seedlings hatch, the container is transferred to a well-lit place. If a common container was originally used, then the shoots are planted in separate containers.

Diseases and pests

Among the dangerous pests that affect the cedar, several insects and pathogens can be noted.

Pine fire. This butterfly lays eggs, from which very voracious larvae emerge. You can protect the tree by spraying with Leptocid at the beginning of flowering and repeating it after 7 days.

Sawfly. This pest belongs to the group of bark beetles. It lays its eggs in the thickness of the wood, later the larvae begin to gnaw their way out. This process lasts for years and eventually can destroy even an adult tree. Fungicidal treatment is recommended as a control measure.

Rust. This fungal disease affects the surface of the needles and at an early stage looks like yellow bubbles. The fungus is especially active in conditions of high humidity and temperature. The disease can be carried by spores from nearby weeds. A preventive measure is regular weeding of the area around the tree.

Aphids and pine hermes. They both belong to the same family, they are especially dangerous for young shoots and needles. The appearance of a white coating on the branches, yellowing and wilting of the needles testifies to the defeat of the pest. Affected shoots are cut off, the tree is treated with tobacco leaf infusion or soapy water, karbofos.

Possible problems

In the process of growing cedars, it is worth paying attention to the general condition of the tree. If his bark has peeled off, you need to carefully examine the place of damage. Perhaps in winter, the tree served as food for animals. In addition, drying out and falling of the scales may indicate the death of the plant, especially if it is accompanied by a change in color and falling needles. Cracking of the bark may indicate a supersaturation of the plant with moisture. Frequent loosening of the soil will help to strengthen its evaporation. It is worth checking the root neck - it rots when it is excessively deepened.

But the yellowing of some of the needles may not be a cause for alarm. On average, cedar needles live only 2 years, after this time it dies and falls off. If the change is accompanied by the formation of orange fungal spores, the tree will need to be treated with antifungal drugs. Copper-containing fungicides give good results.

Examples in landscape design

Cedar planted in a ceramic garden container. The dwarf form looks compact and has a lush pyramidal crown.

Cedar as part of the overall landscape. A solitary planting surrounded by a well-groomed lawn focuses on the unusual multi-tiered shape of the conifer crown.

Cedar in its natural habitat. If you are landscaping a park or a hiking trail in a rocky area, majestic trees will look very impressive.

For information on how to plant a cedar, see the following video.