Content
- 1 Where does larch grow, in what natural zone?
- 2 Description of larch
- 3 Structural features of larch
- 4 Larch in landscape design
- 5 Types of larch with photos
- 6 Larch varieties for the garden
- 7 What are the benefits of larch?
- 8 How larch is used by humans
- 9 Larch in medicine
- 10 Features of caring for larch
- 11 Interesting facts about larch
- 12 Conclusion
Larch is a coniferous tree with unique characteristics and valuable economic and medicinal properties. It is interesting to know what a tree looks like and how it differs from other coniferous plants, and also to understand what its benefits are.
Where does larch grow, in what natural zone?
In Russia, can you find a tree in almost all regions of the country? it is characterized by increased endurance and calmly tolerates climatic changes. Larch grows everywhere in Siberia and the Far East, where it occupies vast natural areas, and is found in small quantities in the Urals. Is it possible to see a coniferous tree in the middle zone? however, larches in the European part of Russia grow only in cultivated plantings.
The habitat of larch in the world is Canada and the northern regions of the USA; the tree grows in the mountainous regions of Europe and Asian countries. Coniferous species are undemanding to soil quality, but prefer areas with sufficient sun. Larch often forms continuous forests, but it also successfully coexists with other coniferous or deciduous species.
Description of larch
The appearance and description of the larch tree is truly unique. The plant combines the characteristics of deciduous and coniferous trees, is characterized by a high life expectancy and a recognizable structure.
What group of plants does larch belong to?
Contrary to its name, larch is a coniferous tree and belongs to the Pine family. The uniqueness lies in the fact that of all the numerous coniferous species, only this species sheds its needles for the winter, thereby demonstrating characteristics characteristic of deciduous plants.
Larch height
The maximum height of a coniferous tree can be 50 m, while the girth of the trunk reaches 1 m. The growth of a tree directly depends on the conditions; larch grows best in sunny regions with well-drained soils, and in swampy and poorly sunny areas it can remain stunted and stunted.
Larch needle length
Tree needles can reach from 1.5 cm to 4.5 cm in length, the sizes depend on the plant variety, its age and height. The photo of a tree and larch leaves shows that the needles of the tree are soft and flattened; on long shoots, the needles of the plants are arranged singly, and on short ones - in dense bunches consisting of 20-50 needles.
Larch cone size and shape
Every year, 2 types of cones appear on the shoots of a coniferous tree - yellowish male ones and green or reddish female ones. The shape of the tree cones is round or elongated, almost cylindrical, and their size does not exceed 3.5 cm.
Larch crown shape
The outline of the crown of a coniferous tree depends not only on the species and variety, but also on age. Common larch at a young age has a cone-shaped elongated crown. But over the years, the branches of the tree grow, and the crown acquires a round or ovoid shape.
If the area where the tree grows is characterized by strong winds blowing in the same direction, then the crown can stretch in the same direction and take on a flag-like shape.
Larch's relationship to light
A hardy and generally unpretentious coniferous tree places increased demands on the level of lighting. The tree needs plenty of sunlight to grow healthy and quickly. In conditions of strong shading, it can greatly slow down its development or stop growth altogether and remain stunted and weak.
How larch blooms
The flowering of a coniferous tree is not at all like the usual one. It does not produce flowers in the usual sense of the word, but their role is played by young cones that appear on the branches of the tree in early spring.
Unlike most conifers, larch does not bloom with green, but with crimson or pink female cones. Therefore, between the end of April and the beginning of May, the tree changes noticeably and becomes very beautiful.
How many years does larch live?
Coniferous species are among the long-livers. The lifespan of larch is usually from 300 to 600 years. However, trees older than 800 years are also known in the world.
Structural features of larch
In appearance and in its characteristics, the plant may resemble other coniferous trees. But some features of larch make it possible to unmistakably distinguish it from pine, spruce or cedar.
How to distinguish larch from pine
Pine and larch have similarities, but they also have differences. The main distinguishing feature of larch is the ability to shed its needles for the winter, while pine is an evergreen tree. But there are other nuances.
- An adult larch usually has a thicker trunk than a pine, and the crown is more transparent and light.
- Pine has longer needles, and along all shoots they are arranged in a spiral in small bunches of 2 needles each. Larch coniferous bunches can contain up to 50 needles.
- Larch lives on average up to 600 years, pine - only up to 350.
Trees can also be distinguished from each other by the shape of their cones. In pine they are cone-shaped, like in most conifers, and in larch they are round.
Which is better - larch or pine
The wood of both trees is often used in construction.Both options have advantages.
- Larch wood is much denser in structure than pine, therefore it is more reliable and durable.
- Highly selected larch wood has a smoother texture with fewer knots.
- The color of larch is very beautiful - the boards can have a reddish or light brown tint. But there is also a minus - it is more difficult to choose lumber of the same color; almost always the shades will differ.
In general, the properties of larch are much more highly valued. But the price of its wood is higher; the plant is supplied mainly from Siberia; drying and processing are associated with certain difficulties. Therefore, pine remains the more common budget option.
What is the difference between fir and larch
It is quite easy to distinguish between larch and fir. First of all, you need to look at the trunk - fir is slimmer and has no noticeable bends, and its bark is smooth. Like most conifers, fir remains green in winter - this distinguishes it from larch.
A characteristic feature of fir is its cones. They sit vertically on the shoots and point upward, like candles. An adult fir can reach a greater height than a larch tree - up to 60 m or more in height.
Which is better - cedar or larch
Both cedar and larch are considered premium materials in construction. Cedar has the following advantages:
- beautiful appearance of the wood - noble brown with a recognizable pattern;
- antiseptic properties, neither mold nor insects appear in cedar houses;
- good thermal insulation characteristics - cedar wood is very dense and thick.
The main disadvantages of cedar are its high cost and a strong specific smell, which not everyone likes.
Larch not only costs less, but also does not emit an intrusive aroma. When properly processed, it surpasses cedar in terms of wood strength and retains heat just as well. Therefore, the properties of larch wood are more popular in construction.
Difference between spruce and larch
In a coniferous forest, larch can be confused with spruce. But a number of characteristic features will allow you to correctly determine the type of tree.
- While larch needles are long and soft to the touch, spruce needles are usually shorter and much sharper.
- Spruce is an evergreen plant; it does not shed its needles in the winter and does not change color in the fall. With the arrival of autumn, larch turns yellow, and with the onset of cold weather its needles fall off.
- On spruce branches the needles are arranged in a single order, while on larch they are collected in large bunches.
- Spruce produces a more pronounced pine aroma.
According to the characteristics of wood, larch is much stronger and harder than spruce. Spruce boards weigh much less and are lighter in color than larch.
Larch in landscape design
Larch is a very beautiful tree from the point of view of landscape design. If desired, it can be grown on your own plot.
- The tree looks attractive even if planted alone in a free area of space. In summer, the tree will delight you with the rich and bright shade of its needles, and in the fall it will acquire a golden yellow color and give the site a fabulous look.
- In plant compositions, wood usually plays the role of the main accent. It can be combined with both low-growing conifers and perennial flowers.
- Low decorative varieties of wood are used to create hedges. Also, plants with drooping branches are often planted near natural or artificial reservoirs.
If you lay out a lawn around a lonely tree, then in the warm season you can create a comfortable place to relax under it, placing a chaise longue or chair in the shade.
In garden compositions, the plant looks best in groups with 2-3 shades of color. If an alpine hill or flower bed is too bright and variegated, the tree simply gets lost against the background of neighboring plants.
Types of larch with photos
In terms of species diversity, the tree is very widely represented. It makes sense to highlight several of the most common species and varieties of larch with photos, which are found all over the world in both wild and decorative forms.
European
European larch, or common larch, is one of the most common plant species. It grows mainly in Western Europe in the foothills, tolerates cold well, but does not like heavy, marshy soil.
European larch grows up to 40 m in height, and its trunk girth can reach 1.5 m. A recognizable feature of the species is its sagging branches; the crown of the tree can be oval or have an irregular shape. The bark of an adult plant is brown, while that of young trees is gray.
Siberian
Another common species, occupying large areas in Siberia, Altai and the Urals. It mainly forms continuous tracts or grows in mixed coniferous forests; it is rarely found adjacent to deciduous trees.The tree prefers podzolic, moist soils and excess sunlight.
The Siberian variety grows on average up to 40 m, and the diameter of its trunk can reach 1.8 m. The shape of the crown of the tree is oval, thinned out, the bark of mature trees is grayish in color, and that of young trees is light yellow.
Japanese
The Japanese variety grows wild on the island of Honshu in Japan. The tree has a number of distinctive features:
- Japanese larch is noticeably lower than other species - about 35 m in height;
- the crown of the plant is pyramidal, thick long branches are located horizontally;
- the needles of the plant have a bluish-green tint, which gives the tree a very decorative appearance.
Unlike most species, Japanese larch thrives on moist clay soils and loams. This variety is also characterized by rapid growth.
American
The habitat of American larch is mainly Canada and the northeastern regions of America. The tree is quite compact in size, reaching an average of 30 m in height, with a trunk girth of only about half a meter. The crown of the American variety of the plant is cone-shaped, formed by curved long branches; the trunk is covered with reddish bark in mature trees and dark yellow or orange in young ones. The tree's requirements for conditions are quite standard; it loves sunlight, but at the same time it is calm about the poor quality of the soil.
A characteristic feature of the American variety is the miniature size of the cones and needles. The needles usually do not exceed 3 cm in length. The size of the cones is on average 2 cm, but the buds of this species have a very beautiful shape, reminiscent of rose buds.
Daurskaya
Daurian larch is one of the hardiest species of coniferous plants. Trees can grow on poor soils and permafrost, on mountain slopes and in marshy areas, and can withstand severe frosts.
The maximum height of the Dahurian larch is about 30 m, the trunk in diameter reaches about 0.8 m. The crown of the tree is oval, the bark is very dense, covered with deep grooves. The cones of this species, when in full bloom, resemble rose flowers and have a distinct purple tint. The species is actively used in landscape design, since minimal care is required for a beautiful plant.
Larch varieties for the garden
In addition to species diversity, the tree is represented by a large number of decorative varieties. Varietal trees are successfully grown in gardens and summer cottages; they are usually characterized by fast growth, a small maximum height and an interesting crown shape.
Kornik
European larch with a spherical crown, reaching 1.5 m in height and about 1.2 in crown diameter. The branches of the variety are short and grow upward, soft needles grow up to 3 cm in length, a distinctive feature is a large number of decorative buds.
The root is often grafted onto a standard. From spring to early autumn, larch needles have a bright green color; in the fall, Kornik turns yellow, and falls off in the cold weather.
Repens
The variety of the European variety Repens reaches 1.5 m in height and spreads its crown 80 cm in diameter. It is usually cultivated in a standard form; a characteristic feature of the plant is flexible, very long shoots flowing to the ground.
The “weeping” larch Repens looks natural on the banks of small bodies of water, is used as part of alpine slides, and is also suitable for container growing.
Blue Dwarf
A variety of Japanese variety with a maximum height of about 2 m on the trunk and a crown diameter of about 1 m. It is distinguished by very beautiful needles - in the summer season, Blue Dwarf has a bluish-green shade of the crown, and in the fall its needles become bright orange.
Trees of this variety grow very slowly, adding only up to 4 cm per year; they prefer illuminated areas, but can tolerate slight shading.
Diana
Japanese larch Diana is an unusual variety with twisted spiral branches directed upward. The tree is quite tall, can reach up to 8 m in height, the diameter of the crown is about 5 m. The shape of the crown of the plant is usually spherical or hemispherical, the bark on the trunk is red-brown.
The Diana variety is often used in landscape design and grown in gardens both in single plantings and in compositions.
Pendula
Another decorative variety of the Japanese variety with beautifully hanging shoots. It grows up to 6 m in height, the average crown diameter is about 1.5 m.
Pendula looks good on the banks of artificial reservoirs and as part of plant compositions. The shoots of the variety can not only sink to the ground, but also lie on the ground like a green carpet. The shade of the needles of this variety in summer is bluish-green.
Stiff Weeper
A variety of Japanese larch with a creeping crown type reaches 2 m in height and about 1 m in crown diameter. It is usually grown on a trunk.The needles of the plant are bluish-green; from the point of view of growing conditions, Stif Viper prefers sunny areas.
The variety looks impressive in group plantings and when planted alone. To maintain the beauty and health of the plant, it is necessary to monitor moisture; the tree does not like either waterlogged soil or severe drought.
Krejci
Krejci is an unusual variety of European larch, which has a sparse and twisted crown in all directions, up to 90 cm in diameter and up to 1.5 m in height. It is characterized by very slow growth, adding no more than 10 cm per year on individual shoots, which noticeably thicken with age. The variety is used mainly in group plantings; Krejci should be planted in a lighted area and on well-drained soil.
What are the benefits of larch?
Coniferous wood is valued not only for its external beauty, but also for its many useful properties. The plant is used in medicine; the needles contain tanning components and natural acids, ascorbic acid and essential oils. Thanks to this, infusions, decoctions and other remedies based on shoots, buds and needles of the tree have healing properties. Natural medicines effectively fight inflammation, strengthen the immune system and increase stamina, help treat sore joints and neuralgic ailments.
How larch is used by humans
Larch wood is an excellent building material. Due to its high density, larch wood has enormous reserves of strength and durability; even in conditions of high humidity it does not lose its characteristics.
Wood is used for low-rise construction, interior and exterior decoration.Floors and stairs are made from wood of this species, baths and saunas, swimming pools, and open terraces are built. Coniferous wood is ideal for use in buildings that will subsequently be exposed to high humidity or temperature changes.
The use of larch by humans has continued for centuries; in ancient times, the tree species was used in shipbuilding. Even with constant exposure to moisture, larch wood not only does not lose, but also enhances its strength characteristics.
Larch in medicine
In folk recipes, the cones and needles of the plant are mainly used - tinctures and decoctions are prepared on their basis. The benefit of larch is that medicinal products from the plant help with rheumatism, radiculitis and gout, and relieve toothache. The beneficial properties of larch needles are expressed in the fact that the plant has hemostatic properties and is beneficial for constipation.
Larch needles are often used for colds. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant help to cope with cough, reduce fever and eliminate infectious processes in the respiratory tract.
Features of caring for larch
Growing a tree is not particularly difficult. There are a few main rules to remember
- Coniferous trees love light, so they should not be planted in shaded areas.
- The tree does not tolerate drought and swamping well; the soil for this plant should be light and with good aeration, and if necessary, drainage should be provided.
- Watering the tree is carried out as needed; during periods of drought, you need to add water under the trunk 1-2 times a week.
- For coniferous trees, it is necessary to carry out annual sanitary pruning. Decorative pruning is carried out to level the crown and only for young trees.
Interesting facts about larch
Several interesting facts are associated with the unusual coniferous tree larch.
- This coniferous species is the most numerous in Russia. However, in terms of prevalence, it is less common than pine or spruce; larch forests are mainly concentrated in Siberia and the Far East.
- Despite the huge natural reserves of coniferous species, it is far from the most popular in logging. The reason is that wood cannot be floated down rivers in the traditional way - due to its high density, it sinks almost instantly. Therefore, the procurement requires additional transportation costs.
Over the years, the density of larch wood only increases; it is very difficult to drive a nail into a well-dried tree. Structures and decorative elements made from this rock have been preserved for centuries. For example, larch piles still support Venice, built in the Middle Ages, and the decoration and cladding in the interiors of ancient estates and palaces is perfectly preserved.
Conclusion
Larch is a coniferous tree with unique characteristics and numerous beneficial properties.It is used everywhere, in folk medicine and in construction, in repairs and decorative finishing, and in creating beautiful landscapes in parks and gardens.
