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 impressive. 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 gardeners from different regions actively grow cedar pine. 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.
Cedar belongs to a large family of Pine, genus - Cedar, or Siberian Cedar Pine. This genus is of particular interest because of the universal value of wood, needles and seeds. Cedar is also in demand in landscaping.
Cedar in the photo
The cedar tree looks like a real giant: it has a powerful trunk, reaching a height of 25 to 45 m, depending on the species.
Unlike Scots pine, the needles of the cedar are surprisingly soft, long, triangular, collected in whorls of 5-6 pieces. And in a pine - two and very rarely - three needles.
Shoots of two types - elongated vegetative and shortened generative. The tree is monoecious. Male kidneys - in the form of spikelets, looking up, red or yellow. Female - cones of 2-4 pieces - are at the top of the shoot and have a purple color.
The description of cedar roots is akin to the tree itself: the root system is as powerful as the aerial part, which allows the plant to endure all natural disasters and be unpretentious in culture. An adult cedar does not need agrotechnical care.
Its antimicrobial properties are also very valuable. The air around these trees is practically sterile. Many cedars have been planted by amateurs in summer cottages, household plots and garden plots in the central zone of Russia. It cannot grow in dry sandy places, but prefers sandy or loamy, moist, fertile soils.
Almost all types of cedar pines in forest plantations begin to bear fruit at 30-60 years, sometimes later, and in gardens where care and fertilization are carried out in a timely manner, at 15-20 years and continue to bear fruit up to 250-300 years. A good harvest of large pine nuts occurs in those areas where 2-3 cedars grow in a group, since conifers are cross-pollinated trees. The seed development cycle of cedar lasts one and a half years.
Four types of cedar grow in Russia - Siberian, European, Korean and Siberian elfin.
With varieties of cedars and their photos you can find on this page.
Growing cedar from seeds and tree care
To give the garden a finished mature look, you need to plant an evergreen, long-lived tree. With its appearance, the cedar will give your estate solidity and power, confidence and optimism. In addition, this tree does not require systematic care. When growing and caring for cedar, forget about pruning, crown formation, and cleaning of fallen leaves.
Cedar is not only beautiful, but also useful. It heals the air with the aroma of pine needles.
It is necessary to plant seedlings on the site immediately on a permanent well-lit place at a distance of 5-6 m from each other. Between young cedars, you can grow undersized fruit trees and berry bushes. The crown should be formed on a low trunk, sprawling, multi-topped. Pruning or breaking out of the lateral buds is carried out in early spring, before the start of the growing season. Successfully established trees in the first years give 5-10 cm of growth with dark green needles.
The place for this tree should be open and extensive, the soil should be loamy, drained.
Video: How to grow Cedar seedlings
Germination of nuts is stored for 2 years. Immediately after collection, it is quite high, at 85%. It is better to sow in autumn. Shoots appear in this case in early spring. But you can stratify the nuts in wet sand, soak for a day and sow in the spring. Seedlings appear 2-3 weeks after sowing. They are dark green, with 10-12 cotyledons, up to 30 mm long. In the second year, paired needles appear from them, and only in the 4-5th year - whorls. The plants that have emerged from seedlings need a shade that lasts all the hot months for 2-3 years, that is, for the cedar that you decide to grow, you need to equip a tennik.
The growth characteristics of cedar include the ability to grow in sphagnum bogs, and powerful adventitious roots are formed. Root growth begins simultaneously with the growth of shoots. Already after 5-6 years, the exactingness of the cedar to the soil decreases sharply.
Cedar is also undemanding to air temperature. It tolerates continental climate, frost and drought. The only thing is that buds can die during late spring frosts, which coincide in time with the flowering period.
However, this threatens trees that have already begun to bear fruit, which will happen only at the age of 30 or more. You have to wait a long time for the appearance of nuts, but the tree itself can live up to 500 years, giving abundant harvests every 4-5 years.
Siberian cedar in the photo
Siberian cedar- the most common and best studied. Its distribution area is extensive. Starting from the northeast of the European part to the southern slopes of the Urals, this species is an unshakable native, growing both in the lowlands and on the mountains. In Central Altai, it grows at an altitude of 2300-2400 m above sea level.
The crown is conical from a young age, and then becomes flat-topped. It can be both sharp-pyramidal and wide-spread. It all depends on the place of growth. In groups, in the forest, with a small feeding area, cedars are elongated upwards, and when planted alone, they are sprawling, have 2-3 peaks.
As you can see in the photo, the branching of the Siberian cedar is strictly whorled, longline:
Annual shoots are yellowish with a rusty coating, pubescent. The needles are trihedral, up to 13 cm long, serrated along the edge and sit in bunches of 5 pieces on shortened shoots. The needles remain on the branches for 3-6 years.
Cedar blossoms in spring, immediately after pine, and cones ripen in autumn, the next year after flowering. They do not crack, fall to the ground.
Pay attention to the cedar cones - in a mature tree they are very picturesque (light brown, elongated ovoid, up to 13 cm long and 8 cm wide):
There are from 100 to 140 nuts in a cone - shiny, dark brown and very tasty.
The taste of nuts was appreciated by the inhabitants of the forest, the cedar taiga. Nuts are the main food of the nutcracker, which often destroys up to half of the crop. From one tree you can get up to 1500 cones.
But thanks to the nutcracker, the cedar breeds. The bird takes nuts to long distances, hiding them in moss, old stumps, forgets and loses them. Nuts sprout, and thus the territory of cedar growth expands.
In addition to nutcrackers, capercaillie, hazel grouse, squirrels, chipmunks, and sables eat nuts. The bear is also a hunter for delicious nuts in the taiga. He often climbs into the crown of a tree, breaks it, causing great harm.
Video: Collecting cones on a cedar
When describing the Siberian cedar, special attention should be paid to the chemical composition of its nuts - they explain the reason for such a high popularity of this tree. Pine nuts contain up to 61% fat, up to 17% protein, more than 12% starch. Pine nuts are rich in vitamin A (vitamin of growth), B vitamins, which improve cardiac activity and are very necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. They are especially rich in vitamin E (tocopherol, which in Greek means “I bear offspring”). It is not for nothing that during the years of good harvests of cedar, the fertility of sable and squirrel increases significantly.
It is known that pine nuts contain substances that improve blood composition, prevent tuberculosis, anemia.
From a kilogram of nuts, you can get up to 150 g of oil and 200 g of cake for pet food.
Cedar oil is one of the highest quality. It belongs to fatty drying oils. Light yellow in color and pleasant in taste, the oil is in demand not only in the food industry, but also in the paint and varnish industry, in perfumery, medicine, and canning.
Walnut milk and cream are made from nuts, which are high in calories.
Siberian cedar needles have essential oils, resins and vitamin C. It contains a lot of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt. When cutting growing cedars, cedar resin is obtained containing up to 19% turpentine.
Gum has embalming properties. In folk medicine, it is used to treat purulent wounds, cuts, burns.
In relation to light, the Siberian cedar is shade-tolerant, especially when young, when growth is slow. Despite the fact that it is a close relative of the light-loving pine, light is not decisive for an adult tree either.
European cedar in the photo
European cedar is a close species to the Siberian cedar. It grows wild in the mountains - the Carpathians and the Alps at an altitude of 1300-2500 m above sea level. There, together with larch and spruce, it forms impenetrable thickets.
Its height reaches 20-25 m. The crown is always wide, ovoid. The needles are thin, graceful, short. Cones from 6-8 cm long, nut seeds are also not as large as those of the Siberian cedar.
When describing the European cedar, it is especially worth noting its great endurance, it is frost-resistant and shade-tolerant, drought- and wind-resistant, not picky about soils and air humidity. But it does not have the advantages inherent in the Siberian cedar.
As shown in the photo, European cedar is often used in landscaping:
In Europe, this species is popular as a solitary plant (tapeworm) in parks.
Korean cedar in the photo
Korean cedar is the most majestic tree. By the beauty of the description, the Korean cedar is not inferior to any of the known species. This tree reaches 45 m in height and 2 m in diameter with a wide-conical and multi-peaked crown.
Young shoots with dense rusty pubescence. The needles are bluish-green, up to 20 cm long. Along the edge, it is finely serrated, rough, not similar to the needles of other species. It stays on the shoots for only 2 years.
The male spikelets of the Korean cedar are yellow, and the female cones are first reddish, then purple. Blooms in June.
Pay attention to the photo - the Korean cedar has ripe cylindric cones, 10-15 cm long, larger than the Siberian species.
They ripen in the second year after flowering. They fall to the ground without opening in November.
The seeds are twice as large as those of the Siberian cedar and contain more fat - up to 65%.
It bears fruit from 40-50 years of age to extreme old age in 1-2 years. But the number of cones on the tree is much less than that of the Siberian cedar. Seed germination lasts only a year, although it is 85%. They should be sown in the fall. Shoots appear the next year in early spring. They are with 10-14 juicy cotyledons.
According to the taste of nuts, needles - in terms of the content of vitamin C and wood - in terms of technical properties it is not inferior to Siberian cedar.
It is difficult to include low, creeping species in the family of tall, mighty cedars, nevertheless, they exist.
Cedar elfin in the photo
Cedar elfin- a low branching shrub with branches creeping along the ground, and sometimes a tree up to 4-5 m in height. The shoots are densely pubescent, the needles are stiff, up to 4-8 cm long, 5 needles in a bunch. The female cones are violet-purple.
As you can see in the photo, the pine elfin has mature cones up to 4 cm long, light brown, shiny:
Nuts, which are up to 40 pieces in a cone, are smaller than those of Siberian cedar, but they are also edible and tasty, although they contain less oil. Fruiting begins from 25-30 years.
Elfin grows slowly, everywhere - on the mountains and coasts, swamps and lowlands. Very winter hardy. An interesting fact that is worth noting when describing the cedar dwarf pine is that this plant has the property of “laying down for the winter”, that is, the branches hibernate on the ground, covered with snow. Begins to vegetate only in spring. Propagated by seeds, layering, adventitious roots. It is valued as a nut and decorative culture for rock gardens.
himalayan cedar recently gained popularity in Europe. It is more of a decorative form than a view. It has falling paws-branches and a protruding top. The tree grows quickly, but is never taller than 25 m.
Himalayan cedar in the photo
Atlas cedar, or blue, is also a decorative form. Particularly noteworthy are its forms "Weeping" and "Golden". All these trees are not tall, but very sprawling, requiring a lot of space.
The maximum life expectancy is 500 (according to some sources 800-850) years.
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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 course 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 reserves 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 the 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, mycorrhiza-forming 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%), germacren-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 approach the proteins of dairy products, 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, syringic 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 according to RPS-124, RPS-90, PTTX-2123 the level of variability is low, the trees are monomorphic, however, according to PTTX-2146, a third allelic variant was identified, which is typical for Siberian pine, which indicates the likelihood of distant hybridization. The highest level of genetic polymorphism shows
Cedar is most often called the cedar pine (Siberian cedar), which grows in Siberia, the Urals and Altai and the northeastern part of European Russia. A powerful tree with a spreading multi-topped crown, lives on average 300-500 years, although in favorable conditions the age of trees can reach 800 years.
Belongs to the pine family, the height of the tree can reach more than 40 meters, and the diameter of the trunk - up to 1.5 -2 m. Siberian cedar grows on permeable soils, poor in lime. Dislikes areas with stagnant water. It is a source of valuable wood, not inferior in quality.
Texture
Cedar belongs to the sound tree species. The sapwood is wide, its color is light, yellowish. The transition between the narrow heartwood (brownish-pink) and sapwood is slightly pronounced. According to the drawing, the texture of cedar wood is similar to pine, but has less pronounced lines.
Numerous resin passages permeate the entire tree trunk, they are somewhat smaller than those of, but they are larger. On transverse and longitudinal sections, they are clearly visible in the form of dark dashes.
The color of late and early wood is similar in shades and there is no sharp border in the transition of colors. The wood of a freshly cut tree has a reddish tint, but over time, under the influence of external factors, the color becomes light, close to the color of pine.
A characteristic feature of cedars is the ingrowth of the bark into the wood. Although such formations make it difficult to process blanks, wood acquires valuable decorative properties.
It should be noted that the content of late wood in cedar is less than in pine, and averages 23%.
Physical properties of cedar
Humidity
In a freshly cut state, the moisture content of cedar wood is on average 105-110%, while the moisture content of the core is 2-3 times less. It should be noted that the moisture content of wood depends on the harvesting season. In the spring-summer period, this figure is much higher than in winter. For this reason, wood harvesting is best done in winter.
Density
Cedar wood belongs to soft species, the density ranges from 400 to 550 kg/cu.m. The density depends on the content of late wood in the total mass of the felled tree. For cedar, this figure does not exceed 25-30%, which determines the low density.
Thermal properties
Due to its heat-conducting properties, wood is a very good heat insulator. Due to the fine-grained structure of wood, cedar walls with a thickness of up to 120 mm provide the same protection from the cold as a brick wall with a thickness of 500-550 mm.
Mechanical properties of cedar
Strength
Cedar wood is characterized by the properties that, while possessing high strength, it remains flexible and soft.
The tensile strength for cedar wood is:
- compression along the fibers - 30-40 MPa;
- static bending - 54-72 MPa;
- stretching along the fibers - 85-90 MPa.
Technical and operational properties
The most important characteristic of cedar wood is that it is very resistant to moisture, fungal diseases and damage by pests. Therefore, it is used in places where there is high humidity.
Drying
When drying cedar wood, gentle conditions must be observed, since some types of cedar are prone to cracking. Drying under canopies in the open air can significantly reduce the amount of defective wood. Before drying, it is necessary to paint over the ends of the blanks with paint, glue them with paper on PVA glue, cover them with lime. Apply any method that allows you to reduce the permeability of the ends. This is done to reduce the likelihood of cracks.
Treatment
Cedar wood is strong, but at the same time soft and flexible. Thanks to this, it is easily, without much effort, processed by cutting tools, while the resulting surfaces have high smoothness and cleanliness. The only peculiarity is that they are slightly oily due to the presence of resins and essential oils in the wood. Therefore, when coating and paints, it is necessary to degrease the surfaces.
Wax formulations are considered the best coating for cedar wood products. This treatment emphasizes the warm color of the wood, well reveals the texture.
Grinding operations do not cause difficulties, the resulting surface has a high purity class.
The ability to impregnate with protective compounds is good. Wood is easily covered with paints and varnishes.
Joining cedar wood parts with glue is not difficult, the ability to hold nails and screws in wood is average. According to this indicator, cedar is somewhat inferior to pine.
Due to its high resistance to moisture, cedar wood is successfully used for the manufacture of external carved elements.
Products
Pine wood belongs to valuable species, but its use is limited by the fact that at present commercial timber is harvested only during sanitary felling. In the trading network, its offers are limited, and the price is quite high.
All this leads to the fact that cedar wood has become an elite class.
It is used when finishing the internal surfaces of expensive yachts, interiors of premises.
Cedar wood is able to release antibacterial substances, heal indoor air. Products made from this material are in demand, despite the high price.
In the past, cedar was used in the construction of log houses. Due to the fact that cedar wood is a natural antiseptic, in such houses people got sick less, the indoor air had a healing effect. Cedar boards were used for laying floors in huts, making chests of drawers and chests.
Currently, cedar lining is used for. The antiseptic substances released by wood create a healthy microclimate in such rooms and prevent the occurrence of various colds.
Furniture was also made from cedar. Thanks to its resistance to moisture, garden furniture made of cedar has served for many years without losing its performance properties.
Cedar wood has found the widest application in pencil production. Due to the fact that cedar cuts well both along and across the fibers, does not give chips, and is straight-faced, it turned out to be an ideal material for the production of pencil rods.
Cedar is often used in the manufacture of various containers for food storage - barrels, chests, boxes, etc. In such containers, products do not deteriorate for a long time, and remain fresh.
Until now, for the transportation of granular caviar, they try to use containers made of cedar wood.
Today, cedar wood is used in the manufacture of exclusive furniture, for high-quality carved artwork.
Cedar logs and bars are in great demand now in the production of wooden cottages. In addition to the fact that such houses have a beautiful appearance, they have good strength characteristics, are able to resist heavy physical exertion, and create a special healthy microclimate inside the premises.
Cedar wood has good resonant properties and is used in the manufacture of musical instruments.
Cedar wood lends itself very well to processing on lathes; various jugs, bowls, and trays are made from it.
Very high quality kitchen cutting boards are obtained from cedar wood, which serve for a long time without losing their properties. At the same time, they have antiseptic properties, since cedar wood releases special substances that kill microbes.
He was and remains the embodiment of courage and courage. The shamans of Siberia believed in its magical power and decorated ritual staves with a Cedar branch.
In Russia Cedar has always been a symbol of the boundless harsh Siberia.
names of Cedar
The giant we used to call Cedar- one of the types Pines, namely cedar Pine or Siberian cedar. Its Latin name is "Pinus Sibrica". It is this name that appears in ancient chronicles.
Unfortunately, exact information about the origin of the word "Cedar" has not been preserved to this day. There are several theories.
It is quite possible that the Russian Cedar owes its name to its Lebanese counterpart. In the past, in the manufacture of icons, the base was taken from the Lebanese Cedar, which had to be exported.
In the northern regions of Russia, the most popular species for making bases for icons were conifers. Being very soft for carving and at the same time not brittle, Siberian Cedar wood was well suited for such purposes.
Another theory of origin says that the name "Cedrus" is originally European and originates in ancient Rome.
Where does cedar grow?
Under natural conditions, the Siberian Cedar grows only in Altai, Siberia and the Urals. There are many varieties of it growing in the Crimea and the Caucasus. Basically it is the Lebanese Cedar.
The Siberian Cedar is of great importance in the national economy and the food industry. Nutritious cedar seeds are an indispensable source of trace elements and vitamins.
Due to its nutty reputation, Cedar and its brethren have earned special attention from biologists and breeders. Industrial walnut plantations have existed in our country for more than a decade. These plantations are designed to stop the barbaric methods of extracting Cedar seeds from natural sources without restoring the productivity of the forest.
There is a considerable number of representatives of Cedar. Let's stop at the Siberian cedar.
Despite the fact that this breed belongs to the “pine” species, the diameter of the Cedar trunk can reach 2 meters.
Cedar lives up to 3-5 centuries. At the age of 20 to 70 years, it begins to bear fruit. The tree is distinguished by a dense green crown and brown-gray bark.
The famous cedar cones are bluish-purple when unripe and dark brown when ripe. Cedar cones are large in size and can reach a width of 8 cm and a length of 13 cm.
When the cedar blossoms
Siberian cedar blooms in June. It takes 12-14 months for the buds to mature.
Under natural conditions, Cedar begins to bear fruit on average at the age of 40-50 years. Modern breeders have achieved results in which the fruiting of the cedar occurs at 15 years.
Healing properties of Cedar
Cedar seed kernels contain a huge amount of vitamins and fats, so they are widely used in medicine and the food industry. Trace elements contained in Cedar seeds help improve memory and are the most valuable source of vegetable proteins and fats.
Moderate consumption of seeds improves immunity and restores the nervous system, strengthening the heart and blood vessels.
It is known that Cedar wood kills microbes, so they tried to make the bottom of the famous birch bark cabinets from Cedar.
Pine nut milk from ground seeds is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Cedar resin, like pine resin, promotes wound healing and is used in the fight against colds and lung diseases. Cedar needles are recommended as a remedy for asthma.
Since ancient times in Siberia, cedar needles were considered an excellent remedy for scurvy, and were also the basis for healing tinctures.
Application of Cedar
Cedar seeds are used in the manufacture of high-calorie cream, butter and cedar milk. In addition, table oil is obtained from seeds, and halvah is obtained from cake.
Science has also found a use for this magnificent tree. When cutting Cedar, resin is extracted, from which immersion oil is obtained. A drop of immersion oil is placed between the microscope objective and the object of study. Oil improves the quality and clarity of the image of objects, directing and concentrating light at the desired point.
Moderately soft and dense, Cedar wood is used in the manufacture of pencils.
Cedar wood is a favorite material of carvers, cabinetmakers and joiners. Artfully crafted chests and cabinets have a practical purpose. Insects, including moths, will never start up in such a product.
In parks and garden areas, planting Cedar helps to purify and disinfect the air.
In Siberia, when laying a house, carpenters planted a young cedar in the corner of the yard so that the hut was strong and durable.
In Russia, there is still a cedar trade, which is a rather dangerous and barbaric occupation. The fact is that the “bump breaker” is carried out with the help of a large wooden hammer, which is used to beat the tree trunk to extract cones. This method is a relic, which is gradually being replaced by modern methods of selection and cultivation of nut crops.
Mentions of Cedar can be found in the Bible. For example, the material for Noah's ark was the wood of this mighty tree.
Cedar does not obey biological rhythms. Depending on the weather and conditions, the tree itself regulates the movement of juices and biological processes, and adapts to external conditions. This confirms the hypothesis that Cedar has a Soul.
Photo credits: LesTa-10 , bakamushi , kaikups , Borodyaga , Nick Vasiliev
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