Siberian cedar - how to grow a proud tree. Useful properties of cedars Cedar what type of plant

It would seem that everyone has long known where cedar grows. The seeds of this tree, known as pine nuts, are a very tasty and healthy delicacy loved by many. But in fact, it turns out that the tree that is considered cedar in Russia is scientifically called cedar pine. The seeds of a true representative of this genus of conifers are inedible. But there is general signs, after which this tree began to be called so. Spruce, cedar, pine and some other representatives of conifers belong to the same family. All of them have beneficial properties and have long been used by humans for various purposes. But it especially stands out among cedar. Several species of it now grow in the world.

Real cedar

Photos of these trees show their differences from pine and spruce. But in botany, only four species growing in the south are considered true cedar. They have been known since ancient times and are mentioned in the Bible.

1. is a symbol of this country, and it was its valuable wood that was used to build temples and make icons.

2. Atlas cedar is common in North Africa. It is very unpretentious and grows in high mountain areas, withstanding frost and drought.

3. There is also Cypriot cedar. Its photo shows that it differs from other relatives in its small needles. That's why it is also called short-coniferous. This rare tree found only in the mountains on the island of Cyprus.

4. grows not only in the Himalayas, but also in the mountainous regions of India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This tree is very beautiful and unpretentious, therefore it is often used for landscaping.

Features of cedar

It has many beneficial properties and has been widely used by humans since ancient times, like all conifers. Cedar is one of the most unpretentious and beautiful trees of this class. What features made it so famous?

This tree has very durable, beautiful wood, which also has antiseptic properties and is not subject to rot and insects. Furniture, musical instruments, ships and much more are made from it.

Cedar needles are soft and release phytoncides that disinfect the air.

All cedar trees are very beautiful. Their needles are painted silver or light green, the branches are very fluffy, and the crown is most often pyramidal in shape.

All parts of cedar have a strong, pleasant odor, which is considered beneficial for humans.

Where does real cedar grow?

In nature, trees of this genus are found in the southern mountainous areas. Cedars are common in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. They are quite unpretentious, but cannot withstand frosts below 25 degrees. Cedars need well-moistened, lime-poor soils, preferably sandy loam or loamy soil. But they do not like stagnant water and severe drought.

Cedars grow best on mountain slopes that are well lit by the sun, but they are also found in shady areas. In the last two hundred years, these trees have been used for landscaping in many countries. Cedar is planted especially often in the south. Where this tree grows in Russia is known to those who went on vacation to the Crimea or the Caucasus. Beautiful, fluffy trees, along with cypresses, are now a symbol of many resorts on the Black Sea coast.

Description of cedar

This evergreen tree, growing up to 50 meters. It has dark gray smooth bark and a spreading crown. The needles are triangular, prickly, collected in bunches of up to 30-40 needles. Their color can be different: light or dark green and even silver-gray or blue. The cones are ovoid or barrel-shaped, large. The tree begins to bear fruit after 50 years. The seeds of true cedar are inedible. This tree is one of the oldest on Earth; its pollen was found in a layer that is 200 million years old. Cedar is long-lived; Himalayan species can stand for about 3,000 years. But usually there are trees 250-300 years old. Their wood is a pleasant yellow or reddish hue, very strong and durable.

What trees are also called cedar?

If you ask any resident of Russia where cedar grows, everyone will answer that in Siberia. But scientifically this tree is called cedar pine. Although in many books the name has already taken root. It is believed that this was the name of a pine tree, the wood of which had a strong, pleasant aroma. It also looked like a real cedar with its spreading fluffy crown, large cones and height. But the main difference between the cedar pine is that its seeds, called nuts, are edible and very healthy. And their lovers are sure that it is cedar that gives them. Where does this tree grow in Russia? most common in Siberia, Altai and Transbaikalia. But also found in the north European Russia and even beyond the Arctic Circle. In the south Far East, in China and Japan, pine is common, characterized by larger seeds. In these places, dwarf cedar also grows - a shrub no more than 5 meters high. But its seeds are also edible and eaten. And in the mountainous regions of Europe, European cedar is found - a very ancient and rare cedar.

Useful properties of Siberian cedar

Its main advantage is nuts. They are nutritious, tasty and have long been used to produce healing oil. contain many vitamins, amino acids and needed by a person minerals. They improve blood composition, prevent tuberculosis and increase efficiency. Tincture of nut shells is used for hemorrhoids and stomach diseases. Healing properties cedar needles also have it. It contains phytoncides, a lot ascorbic acid and carotene. Used for restorative baths and preparation of vitamin infusions. Cedar needles contain five times more essential oils than in pine needles. Therefore, it is widely used in the cosmetics and perfume industries. Cedar resin, also called resin, has long been used to heal wounds. Scientists have determined that it has an antiseptic and anesthetic effect. Cedar wood also has valuable qualities. It is easy to process and long time releases phytoncides and a pleasant aroma. Therefore, it is often used in construction and furniture making.

How to grow cedar

Already two hundred years ago this tree was brought to the territory of Russia. But real cedar can only grow in the southern regions.

Cedar pine is more unpretentious. Its heavy seeds cannot be carried by the wind; they are spread by nutcracker birds, carrying the nuts over long distances. Everyone knows where cedar grows, but this tree can be grown in any region of Russia. It requires sandy or loamy soils with good drainage, moderate watering and weeding. Most often, cedar trees are grown from seeds, sown in the fall and covered with spruce branches. It will be important in the spring to protect the seedlings from birds and rodents. This tree grows slowly and only after 10-15 years it will be able to please you with a fluffy crown, and cones will appear even later.

Cedar is a tree from the Pine family. Our message will tell you about it in detail.

Description of appearance

Cedar - giant evergreen conifer, which grows up to 60 meters in height. The plant has a wide spreading crown, a slender trunk, and dark gray bark, which is smooth on young trees and cracked on old ones. The wood is very aromatic and resinous, strong and does not rot. The needles are short, hard and prickly, dark green or silver-gray. Needles live from 3 to 6 years. The roots are located close to the soil surface, so strong winds can knock down even a powerful tree.

Cedars live for a very long time - up to 3000 years!

Where does cedar grow? His doubles

In fact, there are only 4 species that are truly cedars:

• Atlas - grows in the mountains in northwestern Africa;
• Lebanese - found in Asia, most often in Libya and Syria;
• Cypriot - inhabits the island of Cyprus;
• Himalayan - grows in the Western Himalayas.

Siberian cedar is widespread in Russia, which is actually a cedar pine.

Other trees are also often confused with cedar:

• European and Korean - are actually European and Korean pine;
• Canadian red is Thuja plica;
• Canadian white - thuja occidentalis;
• eastern red - correctly called juniper virginiana;
• Alaskan yellow is actually Nootka cypress.

There are also other plants in the world that are called cedars, but in fact they are not.

Russian Siberian cedar (cedar pine) grows in Siberia, the Urals, Altai, and even in the Arctic.

Real cedar and, for example, Siberian cedar have the following differences:

• the seeds of real cedar are inedible, but pine nuts are tasty and very healthy;
• cedar lives up to 3000 years, cedar pine - 600-800 years;
• True cedar is a heat-loving plant, it does not grow in Russia at all, but cedar pine is widespread in our country and tolerates cold well.

How does it reproduce

Cedar - monoecious plant, that is, male and female cones are on the same tree. The cones look like barrels, are scattered throughout the crown, are 6-10 cm long, and up to 6 cm wide.

Cedar blooms in autumn. Fertilized female cones remain on the mother tree to mature. After 2 years they will ripen and crumble. Resinous seeds 12-17 mm long have one wing, with the help of which they are carried over long distances by the wind.

Cedar in nature reproduces only by seeds, although botanists can breed them vegetatively.

The forest in which Siberian cedars mainly grow is called cedar forest or cedar forest. Most often these forests are mixed. Pine and aspen grow nearby.

There are no true cedar forests left on the planet. There are only cedar groves, which are also very few. The Lebanese cedar grove of only 8 trees is the largest on Earth.

Why is it useful?

Cedars have very durable and valuable wood, from which houses and ships are built, expensive furniture is made. The ancient Egyptians buried their pharaohs only in cedar sarcophagi.

These trees are very decorative, therefore, they are planted in parks and gardens and used for landscape design.

Fragrant cedar resin (resin) used in perfumery and in the creation of cosmetics, in aromatherapy for calming, relieving anxiety.

The beneficial properties of cedar oil have long been known. This strong antiseptic, active fat breaker.

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Of course, almost everyone knows that there is a tree called “cedar”. Moreover, many have probably tried delicious and very healthy ones. But where, in what natural area this very cedar grows, not everyone can answer. Our article will help correct this small defect.

Where does cedar grow?

Botanists distinguish 4 types of cedars:

• Lebanese;
• Atlas;
• Cypriot;
• Himalayan.

The first two varieties of cedar can most often be found in mountainous areas North Africa, Cypriot on the island of Cyprus, and Himalayan - in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan. In addition, Lebanese and Atlas cedars have taken root well on the southern coast of Crimea, as well as in many Mediterranean countries, where winter temperature does not fall below -25 degrees. Where does Siberian cedar grow and why was it not included in the list of 4 known to science species? The thing is that, strictly speaking, Siberian cedar is not a cedar at all. When talking about Siberian cedar, they usually mean Siberian cedar pine - a powerful tree reaching about forty meters in height and about two and a half meters in girth.

Where does Siberian cedar grow in Russia?

Wild cedar forests in Russia can be found in Transbaikalia, Siberia and the Urals. Cedar cultivation has also proven to be quite successful in other regions. For example, those planted in the Moscow region, Leningrad and Yaroslavl regions Siberian cedars have not only successfully taken root, but also bear fruit regularly. True, you have to wait quite a long time for the first harvest - from forty to seventy years under natural conditions and about twenty-five years when grown on summer cottage. Siberian cedars reach their peak fruiting at the age of one to two hundred years. The average lifespan of this tree is usually from three hundred to five hundred years.

He was and remains the embodiment of courage and bravery. The shamans of Siberia believed in him magical power and decorated ritual staffs with a Cedar branch.

In Russia Cedar has always been a symbol of the endless harsh Siberia.

Cedar names

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, accurate information about the origin of the word “Cedar” has not survived 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, when making icons, the base was taken from Lebanese Cedar, which had to be exported.

IN northern regions In Russia, the most popular species for making bases for icons were conifers. Being very soft for carving and not brittle, Siberian Cedar wood was well suited for such purposes.

Another theory of origin suggests that the name "Cedrus" is originally European and originates in ancient Rome.

Where does Cedar grow?

Under natural conditions, Siberian Cedar grows only in Altai, Siberia and the Urals. There are many varieties of it, growing in the Crimea and the Caucasus. This is mainly Lebanese Cedar.

Siberian Cedar is of great importance in national economy And food industry. Nutritious cedar seeds are an irreplaceable source of microelements and vitamins.

Thanks to their nut-bearing reputation, Cedar and its brothers have earned special attention biologists and breeders. Industrial nut plantations have existed in our country for decades. These plantations are designed to stop the barbaric methods of extracting cedar seeds from natural sources without restoring forest productivity.

There are a considerable number of representatives of Cedar. Let's focus on 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. Between the ages of 20 and 70, it begins to bear fruit. The tree is distinguished by a dense green crown and brown-gray bark.

The famous pine cones are bluish-purple when unripe and turn dark brown when ripe. Cedar cones are different large size and can reach a width of 8 cm and a length of 13 cm.

When the Cedar blooms

Siberian cedar blooms in June. It takes 12-14 months for the cones to ripen.

Under natural conditions, Cedar begins to bear fruit on average at the age of 40-50 years. Modern breeders have achieved results in which cedar bears fruit at 15 years of age.

Medicinal 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. Microelements contained in Cedar seeds help improve memory and are a valuable source of vegetable proteins and fats.

Moderate consumption of seeds improves immunity and restores 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 tues from Cedar.

Cedar milk from ground seeds is used in the treatment of tuberculosis diseases.

Cedar resin, like pine resin, promotes wound healing and is used in the fight against colds and for lung diseases. Cedar needles are recommended as a means of combating 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 production of high-calorie cream, butter and cedar milk. In addition, table oil is obtained from the seeds, and halva is obtained from the cake.

Science has also found applications 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 images of objects by directing and concentrating light at the required point.

Moderately soft and dense, Cedar wood is used in making pencils.

Cedar wood is a favorite material of carvers, cabinetmakers and joiners. Skillfully crafted chests and cabinets also have a practical purpose. Insects, including moths, will never live in such a product.

In parks and garden plots Cedar plantings help purify and disinfect the air.

In Siberia, when laying the foundation for a house, carpenters planted a young Cedar tree in the corner of the yard so that the hut would be strong and durable.

In Russia, cedar fishing still exists, which is a rather dangerous and barbaric occupation. The fact is that “cone pounding” is carried out using a large wooden hammer, which is used to hit a tree trunk to extract cones. This method is a relic, which is gradually being replaced by modern methods 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, adapts to external conditions. This confirms the hypothesis that Cedar has a Soul.

Photo credits: LesTa-10, bakamushi , kaikups , Borodyaga , Nick Vasiliev