Siberian fir: photo and cultivation

Siberian fir is an evergreen pine tree that is perfect for landscaping a garden or summer cottage. The plant has many advantages in maintenance, one of which is the ability to grow and develop in both illuminated and shaded areas. In addition to its obvious decorative value, Siberian fir also has high practical value. Tree sap is used to obtain a valuable extract with a rich chemical composition.

Description of Siberian fir

According to the description and photo, Siberian fir is an evergreen coniferous tree with a narrow, cone-shaped crown, which significantly distinguishes it from spruce.The bark of the plant is thin, light gray in color, ribbed at the bottom of the trunk and smooth at the top. Siberian fir needles are quite thick, which is why the tree does not tolerate low levels of air humidity, especially in early spring. That is why the best place for the plant to grow will be an area with a high level of moisture (under natural conditions the plant can most often be found in the upper part of the western slopes of the mountains).

The root system of Siberian fir has a rather low level of cold resistance, which significantly limits the movement of the tree to the northern parts. Due to its thin, short roots, the plant is demanding in terms of soil fertility and moisture. It is almost impossible to find it in the area of ​​dry and wetlands.

The culture does not tolerate strong winds well, this is due to two reasons:

• The natural habitat of Siberian fir is closed forests, where windfalls are rare;
• The tree crown, narrow at the top, creates virtually no wind resistance.

Siberian fir has a rather low, but uniform—almost until the end of its life—growth rate. The tree is characterized by a narrowly conical crown shape with a pointed apex, although sometimes there are plants with two apexes.

What does Siberian fir look like?

Siberian fir is an evergreen large tree with impressive dimensions: in adulthood, the tree can reach up to 25 - 30 m in height. In the upper part, the plant trunk has a cylindrical shape, and closer to the bottom of the trunk you can see its ribbing. The trunk diameter is about 45 - 55 cm.Siberian fir has rather thin branches, which, when grown in conditions of free, single plantings, can lean almost to the surface of the ground.

The tree trunk is covered with smooth and thin dark gray bark with thickenings and nodules filled with fir balsam or fragrant transparent resin. The surface of the buds of this conifer is completely covered with scales that fit tightly to each other, as well as a protective layer of resin. The needles of the plant are flat, dark green in color with a distinctive aroma. Normally, the length of the needles is no more than 3 cm. On their lower part you can see whitish stripes with a waxy coating. After the needles die, flat scars remain on the branches.

Where does Siberian fir grow?

Under natural conditions, Siberian fir grows from northern Europe to Siberia (where it is considered one of the main forest-forming crops). The tree can also be found on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Northern Mongolia and Manchuria (China). Most often, conifers are found in areas of mixed forests; a little less often they act as a forest-forming species. On the territory of Russia, Siberian fir grows almost throughout the entire Irkutsk region, but the plant spreads very unevenly: the reason for this is its high demands on growing conditions.

How does Siberian fir grow?

The flowering time of Siberian fir is in May.

The tree is a monoecious species that has both male (yellow spikelets with pollen) and female (dark purple cones) generative organs. In the male organs of Siberian fir, pollen grains contain two flight air sacs, thanks to which pollen is transferred over long distances.Generative female organs are located on last year's shoots, the cones are directed vertically upward. In the axils of the scales, which are arranged in a spiral order, there are ovules in pairs. When the seeds ripen, the cones acquire a light brown tone and increase in volume, reaching a length of 7–9 cm. Between September and October, Siberian fir cones begin to crumble, simultaneously with the seeds, their scales fall off, and only protruding cone rods remain on the branches. This is a distinctive feature of fir in relation to other coniferous trees.

How long does Siberian fir live?

Under natural conditions, the average lifespan of Siberian fir is up to 300 years, and when the tree is kept in a garden plot, it is 150-170 years. Tree seedlings have a low growth rate, reaching no more than 10 - 15 cm in height in the first 5 years of life. Then the pace increases slightly, although the annual increase remains just as small. In this regard, the tree is classified as a slow-growing species.

The meaning of Siberian fir in nature

Siberian fir plays a fairly significant role in the wild: young trees provide cover for many mammals, as well as a nesting site for birds. The plant's needles also provide food for deer and elk in the winter, and some species of birds and mammals use it for food throughout the year.

Varieties of Siberian fir

Among the decorative forms of Siberian fir, reaching no more than 8 m in height, there are representatives with blue, variegated and silver colored needles:

• Glauca fir - an evergreen coniferous plant with a conical crown.In adulthood, the culture reaches about 5 m in height and is used to create single plantings in designer landscape compositions;
  
• Fir Variegata - an evergreen tree, reaching 6 m in height at maturity. Characterized by variegated needles with yellow spots;
  
• Fir Elegans - distinguished as the most elegant form of conifer due to the unique silver color of the needles. The tree is also characterized by a high level of shade and frost tolerance.
  

Medicinal properties of Siberian fir

In addition to its decorative properties, Siberian fir is known for its benefits to human health, which is why it is often used for medicinal purposes. Buds, pine needles, young branches and tree bark are used as medicinal raw materials. The needles of the plant contain ascorbic acid, alcohol and essential oil.

1. Aqueous pine infusion has an antiscorbutic, diuretic, blood purifying and analgesic effect. It is used as a remedy for rheumatism, aches, and colds.
2. The tree bark has astringent properties and is used externally against burns and tumors.
3. Fresh and steamed buds are applied to a sore tooth for severe toothache.
4. Ephedra resin is used to produce turpentine, which is used as an external irritant.
5. Products made from fir needles have a healing effect in getting rid of burns, as well as rickets and anemia. They tend to enhance the process of hematopoiesis, increase blood clotting without destroying the proteins contained in it, and also activate carbohydrate metabolism.
6. Fresh branches of the plant have a very high phytoncidity.When indoors, they are able to completely purify the air, making it almost sterile.
   Important! Professor Vishnevsky introduced into medicine a medicinal balm obtained from the resin of Siberian fir.

   

7. A decoction based on the tree bark is taken orally for noise and headaches, and an infusion from the branches is used as a general tonic during colds.
8. Fir oil, which is a product of dry distillation of Siberian fir legs, is used in the treatment of myositis and radiculitis. Camphor, as a product of Siberian fir essential oil, is taken as a central nervous system stimulant, which also improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Decoctions and tinctures from ephedra branches are also used for disorders of the functioning of the centers of the medulla oblongata and heart, as well as in case of poisoning with narcotic substances, sleeping pills or analgesics. Pine powder and decoctions from the needles and bark of the plant stimulate the activity of the heart and also have the property of constricting blood vessels.

Application of Siberian fir

The practical use of Siberian fir is varied and is determined by the qualities of the resins and ether present in the plant.

• Application in optics. Siberian fir is used to collect fir balsam. It is obtained from “nodules” (places where resin and essential oils are stored). The balm is transparent, colorless and refractively similar to the properties of optical glass. This is used for gluing elements in optical systems;
  
• In medicine. From the fluffy branches, or “paws,” of Siberian fir, essential oil is obtained, which is used in medicine to make camphor;
• The use of Siberian fir in cosmetology. The effect of fir essential oil for the treatment of skin diseases has been proven. Cosmetologists recommend using fir oil for people with skin prone to oiliness and the appearance of various acne and rashes. The product contains ascorbic acid, which has great benefits for aging skin. In addition, the product helps to activate skin metabolic processes, promoting the appearance of new cells and enhancing collagen production. After using products with the addition of fir, the skin becomes smooth, radiant and well-groomed;
• Use of Siberian fir in aromatherapy. Fir oil has a cool, fresh pine aroma that pairs well with bergamot, pine, clove, lemon, as well as cypress and juniper. Experts recommend inhaling the scent of fir to achieve complete relaxation, get rid of nervousness and stress. The pine aroma helps to even out the emotional background and achieve harmony with your body.
• Industrial applications. Pulp, paper, building materials, etc. are obtained from conifer wood, which has long fibers without resin channels.

Planting and caring for Siberian fir

Siberian fir has many unique decorative qualities. However, when choosing a tree to plant in a garden plot, it is important to pay attention to several nuances of maintaining the plant: plot, watering and fertilizing, pruning the tree and preparing it for the winter.

Preparing seedlings and planting area

Experts recommend planting Siberian fir away from the city and highways: the tree is quite sensitive to the level of air pollution, and planting in polluted and dusty areas can lead to the loss of the decorative properties of the plant. When choosing a place to plant a coniferous tree, you should be guided by the following recommendations:

1. The area for growing Siberian fir is determined depending on the purpose of using the tree: to create a hedge or a single planting.
2. Siberian fir is classified as a universal plant that can grow equally well in both shaded and sunny areas (however, young seedlings feel best in partial shade).
3. When choosing a place to plant conifers, the composition of the soil is also taken into account, since the future type of the tree’s root system depends on this factor. On dry soil with low fertility, fir tends to form powerful rhizomes. On loose and moist soil, the plant's root system is formed more superficially: such an area needs protection from strong winds.

The best soil for planting a tree is the following soil:

• moderately humid and loamy;
• rich in humus, as well as with a calcareous composition, contributes to the good development of Siberian fir.

To determine the time of planting, it is important to pay attention to the age of Siberian fir seedlings: purchased in containers, they can be planted throughout the spring-autumn period. If the age of the tree is from 5 to 10 years, it is better to plant it in early spring, when the snow begins to finally thaw (March-April), or in September, when the ground has not yet become cold.It is best to plant conifers on a cloudy rainy day. It is not difficult to purchase a Siberian fir seedling - it is a fairly common ornamental plant in Europe and Russia. The best place to buy would be a nursery or specialty store.

Landing rules

The main decorative features of fir are its elongated, columnar-type crown. That is why, when planting, it is very important to draw up a composition plan in advance in order to emphasize the main decorative quality of the tree. The most popular planting options are:

1. Alley. This composition of fir looks impressive on any site; it is only important to take into account the area of ​​the territory. Plants are planted at a distance of 4 - 5 meters from each other.
2. Disembarkation in a checkerboard pattern. Trees are placed in squares every 3 meters.
3. Group planting: in this case, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 2 - 3 meters between conifers.
4. Single landings. In such a composition, conifer will go well with birch, spruce, juniper and maple.

Preparation of the planting hole should begin 7 - 14 days before planting the tree. Its size directly depends on the size of the root system.

It is necessary to water the hole with water (2 - 3 buckets). If surface water is close to the soil, such a planting site needs to be protected with a drainage layer of crushed stone or broken brick, which is laid at the bottom of the pit.

After this, the hole must be filled halfway with a nutritious earthen mixture. To prepare it, you need to mix humus, clay, peat and sand in a ratio of 3:2:1:1 and add 10 kg of sawdust and 250 - 300 g of nitrophoska. Siberian fir prefers calcareous soils, so some gardeners recommend adding 200 - 250 g of lime to the soil mixture. After filling the hole with the mixture, let it sit for 14 days, and then plant:

1. It is necessary to build a small mound in the center of the hole and install the seedling, carefully straightening its roots.
2. Cover the seedling with soil, being careful not to bury its root collar.
3. After planting, a young fir plant needs abundant watering and protection from direct sunlight.
4. After watering, it is recommended to mulch the tree trunk circle. It is important to ensure that the mulch does not adhere tightly to the root collar.

Watering and fertilizing

Siberian fir is a drought-resistant species, so it does not need frequent artificial watering: the plant will have enough natural precipitation for normal growth and development. This is a huge advantage of conifers for planting in garden plots along with other coniferous trees. The plant also does not tolerate excessive moisture. To maintain the proper appearance of Siberian fir, it is extremely important to periodically remove weeds and periodically loosen the soil near the tree.

If the planting pit has been prepared according to all recommendations, the Siberian fir will not need feeding for another 2 - 3 years. The tree will be fully satisfied with the nutrient fertilizers that were used when planting it. For an adult plant, any complex of fertilizers is suitable.

Mulching and loosening

Siberian fir reacts poorly to any waterlogging. For young seedlings, loosening to get rid of weeds and mulching the soil to a depth of 25–30 cm is mandatory. For mulch, sawdust, wood chips and peat are used in a layer of 5 - 8 cm near the tree trunks of seedlings. In spring, it is necessary to remove dry branches and, if necessary, shape the tree crown

Trimming

Siberian fir practically does not need pruning, since even in its natural environment the crown of the plant looks quite impressive. In the spring, you can remove dry or damaged shoots or adjust the shape of the crown, if necessary. Tree pruning should be done using sharp garden shears. The shoots of the plant can be shortened by more than a third.

Preparing for winter

Siberian fir, grown in Europe and Russia, has a fairly high level of frost resistance. However, young seedlings in the first year of growth need shelter for the winter with spruce branches to avoid damage due to heavy snow and late spring frosts. As the plant matures, the level of frost resistance of the plant increases, and the need to cover the tree trunk circles disappears.

You can find out more information about Siberian fir, the beneficial properties of the tree and the rules for caring for it from the video:

Features of growing Siberian fir in a pot

Siberian fir grown in a pot or container looks quite impressive, but maintaining the plant requires compliance with certain rules. To care for a tree, it is best to purchase a special stand on wheels to make it easier to move it from place to place within the room.

If the seedling was purchased in winter, then before transplanting into a pot it is important to give it the opportunity to get used to the new conditions. At the initial stage of adaptation, the conditions in the room should not differ from those in the store, so the temperature in the room must be lowered. After adaptation, the Siberian fir should be moved to a permanent place.

In the future, the conifer will no longer need to change the air temperature.

Reproduction of Siberian fir

Siberian fir can be propagated in two ways: by cuttings and by seed.

Reproduction of Siberian fir by cuttings

The tree can reproduce on its own: the branches of the plant bend down to the very surface of the earth and are able to take root in it. Cuttings can also be prepared in advance:

1. It is best to prepare them in the spring, before the sap flow process begins.
2. The optimal length of one cutting should be from 5 to 7 cm. It is advisable to choose young shoots. The cutting should have a “heel” and one bud at the top.
3. To harvest Siberian fir cuttings, it is best to tear them off with a sharp jerk so that a little bark and wood remain: experts do not recommend using a knife or scissors.
4. For the purpose of disinfection, cuttings should be placed in a manganese solution.
5. Then you should prepare a suitable container for their rooting and fill it with a mixture of humus, sand and leaf soil.
6. After planting, cover the cuttings with film to create comfortable conditions for their rooting.
7. It is important to monitor the room temperature: it should be higher than room temperature. The cuttings can be placed on the windowsill next to the battery. It is also necessary to provide the plants with a sufficient amount of light, while avoiding direct sunlight.
8. It is worth noting that the process of growing Siberian fir indoors requires a lot of time and effort. Cuttings begin to take root in the second year. During this period, the plants must be constantly ventilated, watered and taken outside.

Reproduction of Siberian fir using seeds

The seed method for propagating Siberian fir is used extremely rarely, since future trees will not transfer the characteristics of the mother plant.

You can buy Siberian fir seeds in a specialized store or collect them yourself. It is important to remember these nuances:

1. Fir cones are located quite high.
2. You cannot miss the moment of ripening, since the seeds tend to scatter instantly. The cones should be picked when they are not fully ripe, dried a little and then the seeds removed.
3. Ephedra seeds need stratification. To do this, they are placed in a refrigerator or other place with low temperature and high humidity: they are left there until sowing.
4. It is best to plant seeds in open ground in April. To do this, you need to prepare the planting area: clear it of weeds, loosen it and add a small amount of sand. Then sow the seeds to a depth of about 2 cm and cover with soil.
5. Planted seeds do not need watering, but they must be covered from above with a film so that a crust does not appear on the surface of the soil, which will prevent further germination of the seeds.
6. The first shoots of Siberian fir begin to appear after 21 - 28 days. Throughout this period, the plant must be watered frequently and ensure that no weeds appear in the area. Loosening the soil must be done carefully to avoid damaging the tree’s still weak root system.
7. Siberian fir grows quite slowly: in the 4th year of life, the height of the tree will not exceed 30 cm. Over time, the growth rate will increase.

Diseases and pests of Siberian fir

One of the most common diseases of Siberian fir, hermes fir, is a type of aphid. It appears as snow-white pubescence on the underside of the needles. Treatment of the tree is carried out in April using a working solution of the drug Antio or Rogor (in the ratio of 20 g of product per 10 liters of water).

Decorative forms of Siberian fir are often affected by rust: the disease is characterized by reddish spots on the needles and swelling in the area of ​​the shoots. To quickly get rid of the disease, the affected branches and needles must be cut and burned, and the pruning areas should be lubricated with garden varnish. The fir crown should also be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture (200 g of the drug per 10 liters of water).

Interesting facts about Siberian fir

1. A distinctive feature of Siberian fir is that its needles do not fall off even after drying. This is why tree branches are used to create Christmas wreaths.
2. Siberian fir is easy to distinguish from spruce by its needles: they are flat and soft to the touch, blunt-pointed, and also externally resemble elongated flat leaves that do not prick or scratch the skin.
3. The needles of the plant are located on the branches on both sides, which is why they have a flat shape.
4. Siberian fir has a strong but pleasant aroma, not like the smell of spruce.
5. Due to the fact that fir branches do not fall off, they are used to create bath brooms.
6. The ripening of tree cones lasts all summer, and only closer to winter do they fall off, releasing the seeds.
7. Siberian fir cones, unlike other conifers, grow vertically.
8. On the territory of Russia, Siberian fir is listed in the Red Book of the Arkhangelsk Region.

Conclusion

Siberian fir is an evergreen coniferous plant that is gaining popularity among landscape designers. The tree has unique decorative qualities and many useful properties, which is why it can be used for household and medicinal purposes. Before buying a tree, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules for keeping the plant and take into account all the nuances of caring for it: fir requirements for planting soil, lighting and air pollution.

Reviews of Siberian fir

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