Pine belongs to the genus of coniferous evergreen trees, the Pine family, which is characterized by needle needles growing in bunches of 2-5 pieces each and woody female cones that mature in two growing seasons.
Pine lives on average for about 350 years, growing in height from 35-75 m, but there are also centenarians. For example, the bristlecone pine, which grows in the USA, lives for about 6,000 years and is the longest-lived tree species throughout the world.
In addition, the pine is distinguished by its powerful root system with a vertical tap root going deep down, as well as flaky bark. Thanks to this structure of pine roots, it can be called a pioneer of forests, since it can grow in a variety of places: on sands, on rocks, over ravines, in a forest. Some types of pines are not afraid of drought, snow, frost, or winds.
But pine is sensitive to air pollution with gases and dust, which limits its use in urban landscaping. As a rule, pine is distributed in the temperate and cold climate of the northern hemisphere, where it forms forests on rocky slopes and on drained soils.
In total, there are approximately 100 species of pine in the forests of the temperate zone and more than 20 species in the tropical and subtropical zones. Some types of pine are valued for their variety of shapes and beautiful crown shape, while others are valued for their beautiful cones and needle color.
The most popular in ornamental gardening are Siberian pine, Weymouth pine, Rumelian pine, Banks pine and Alpine dwarf pine, it forms low shrub thickets.
In the mountains of the northern part of the Black Sea coast and the Crimea, Crimean pine (Pinus Pallasiana) or Pallas is often found, a tree about 30 m high, which looks very decorative thanks to its long green needles.
In Russia, the widest range is occupied by Scotch pine. The most valuable species of pine are: yellow pine, resinous pine, Weymouth pine.
Some species of pines are endangered and are listed in the Red Book. For example, Cretaceous pine, Pitsunda pine, funeral pine and others.
Pine benefits the person. Its homogeneous soft wood is perfectly processed, glued, painted and polished, so it is a sought-after building material.
Features of pine care
Pine is photophilous, therefore it develops and grows better in open places. In addition, pine drought tolerant plant which does not require additional watering.
Young specimens of pine and decorative forms with delicate needles may suffer from winter frosts, as well as spring burns of needles, so in the fall they need to be covered with spruce branches, which must be removed in April. Mature pines are quite winter-hardy.
A large number of pine species are undemanding to the soil, but prefer to grow on sandy or sandy soils. If there is a lot of sand in the soil, then you need to add clay.
The soil for planting pines should be in the following proportions - soddy land, clay or sand (2: 1). If the soil is heavy, drainage is required, which is suitable for gravel or sand, with a layer about 20 cm thick.
Pine breeding
Pine propagation is possible by seeds: they need to be sown in the spring. You should know that pine seeds ripen only 2 years after pollination. Ornamental species propagate by grafting. It is usually not possible to propagate pine cuttings.
Diseases and pests of pine
The most common pine disease - seryanka (blister rust, resin cancer) - is caused by a rust fungus. A pollen-like coating of orange appears on the tips of the needles. Control measures: removal of infected trees, destruction of intermediate hosts (gooseberries and currants).
The main pests of pine are butterflies and some aphids. Butterflies and their caterpillars feed on buds and needles, gnaw on shoots. To combat butterflies, trees are sprayed with the Lepidocide biological product.
Some pine diseases are caused by aphids. You can fight it by treating it with karbofosom or insecticides (pine moth, common pine scale insect, pine scoop).
The use of pine in landscape design
Pine is traditionally used in garden design. Recommended for group and single landings and alpine slides. Some decorative forms of pine may be used for borders and free-growing hedges.
Aristate pine (Bristol)
This pine tree is native to North America. It is a small bushy tree, no more than 15 m high. The oldest of all specimens of this species is a pine tree that grows in the mountains of Arizona. She is over 1500 years old. But in general, the life expectancy of a pine depends on the place of growth.
In culture, a very beautiful type of pine, however, dead needles remain on the tree for a long time, thereby spoiling its appearance, so it is recommended to remove it manually. Tree about 15 m high. Blooms in early spring. Anther cones numerous, yellow or reddish. Pine aristata looks great as a bonsai or rock garden.
Pine Armandi
Armandi pine differs from representatives of other species in beautiful resinous yellow-brown cones that look spectacular against the background of narrow and long blue-green needles. It grows in China and is valued not only for its decorative appearance, but also for its durable, soft wood, which is used in the furniture industry and used to make sleepers. In addition, turpentine is obtained from the resin of this pine - a raw material for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. A tree up to 18 m high. Lives for more than 500 years.
This pine grows from Bear Lake in Canadade to the states of Vermont in the USA. Banks pine grows on sandy soils of hills and plains. The tree is about 25 m high and the trunk is 50-80 cm in diameter. Cones are curved and oblique, sessile, conical, about 5 cm, kept on the tree, closed for several years.
The wood of this species of pine is hard and heavy. It is used in construction, sulfate pulp is made from it.
The fragrant resin of the Banks pine, acting on the shoots, makes this pine especially desirable in plantings near sanatoriums, with rest houses, where it looks great in group plantings.
White pine (Japanese)
White pine, sometimes called Japanese, or girlish, grows in Japan, as well as on the Kuril Islands. It is an elegant tree no more than 20 m high with long dark green needles, which have a silver tint on the underside and with a dense cone-shaped crown.
In Japan, this pine tree is a symbol of longevity, as well as a symbol of the beginning of the year.
Due to its decorative effect, this type of pine is often found in parks on the coast of the Caucasus, where it has taken root due to the humid and mild climate.
It grows in the mountains in southeastern Europe. Whitebark pine is not demanding on growing conditions, resistant to dust and smoke, so it is common in many countries, as well as in Russia. Tree about 8-10 m high, crown diameter 7 m. Cones ovate, brown-black.
The tree looks spectacular in group and single plantings and is suitable for small areas due to its slow growth. Lives about 300-350 years.
Weymouth pine grows in northeastern North America. In those places, its height reaches about 30-40 m, but in our latitudes it is worth counting only 15, maximum 20 m. It lives for about 300 years. The crown of the Weymouth pine is pyramidal, the branches are horizontal, the needles are soft, blue-green, 10 cm long.
The cones of this pine are long, light brown-yellow. Having a vast area, this pine practically does not form pure plantations, it grows together with maples, oaks and hemlock.
Himalayan pine (Wallichiana)
On the southern slopes of Annapurna, in the Himalayas, at an altitude of about 1800-3760 m above sea level, graceful trees grow, about 50 m high, with a pyramidal crown and green-gray short needles, collected in bunches of 5 pieces.
Himalayan pine is very decorative due to its wonderful, long hanging cones.
Mountain pine can be a tree about 10 m high or a multi-stemmed shrub. Its range is Southern and Central Europe.
Turning and joinery are made from the wood of this pine, and its resin is used in cosmetics and medicine. In the Crimea, it is used to strengthen slopes with poor soil.
Mountain pine is very popular as decorative look, decorating household plots and gardens and is often used to create undersized groups.
It grows at an altitude of 900 to 1700 and above sea level, forming mixed with larch and spruce and small pure stands. This type of pine is especially valued for its delicious seeds - pine nuts, they are very nutritious and healthy, because they contain up to 50% oil, protein and starch.
Cedar pine wood is used as a material for carpentry and construction work, as well as for the production of pencils. However, cedar pine is listed in the Red Book, so its economic use is limited.
This type of pine forms pure stands and can grow together with birch, spruce, aspen, oak. Tree height from 20 to 40 m, crown in young age cone-shaped, in mature - umbrella-shaped.
The color of the needles is bluish-green, the cones are ovoid, reddish-brown, solitary, their length is about 3-6 cm. Scotch pine grows quickly.
Its wood is used in construction and some industries; is the main source of lumber. Its resin is used in raw materials for the chemical industry, needles are used to produce vitamin flour.
or Balkan
It grows in the mountains of the Balkan Peninsula. Creates forests at an altitude of about 750-2300 m, pure or with white fir, Scotch pine and European spruce.
Shade-tolerant and fast-growing, undemanding to soils. The height of the tree is about 20 meters. The crown of the Balkan pine is cone-shaped, sometimes growing straight from the ground. The Balkan pine needles are long, dense, grayish-green, the cones are light brown, elongated.
Decorative forms of this pine adorn the landscapes of the United States and Northern Europe. There are also dwarf varieties of this plant that can be grown in the bonsai style.
The Thunberg pine is a beautiful tree with deeply furrowed bark that roughens and becomes expressive.
This species of pine occupies large areas in North America, growing at an altitude of approximately 3500 m above sea level. A low-growing form of lodgepole pine grows in swamps, on sand dunes.
Durable and light yellowish wood of this type is used in construction.
Black pine (Austrian)
In nature, black pine grows in Central and Southern Europe, and in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. The height of the tree is from 20-40 meters, in youth the crown is pyramidal, in maturity it is umbrella-shaped. The needles are long, dark green, the cones are yellow-brown.
Black pine wood has a high resin content; it is elastic, durable and hard. It is often used to create underwater structures and in shipbuilding.
Eggplants are tall erect plants with wide dark green leaves and large fruits that create a special mood in the beds. And in the kitchen, they are a popular product for a wide variety of dishes: eggplants are fried, stewed and canned. Of course, grow decent harvest in middle lane and to the north is not an easy task. But subject to the agrotechnical rules of cultivation, it is quite accessible even to beginners. Especially if you grow eggplant in a greenhouse.
Noble lush greenery, unpretentiousness, the ability to purify the air of dust and pathogens make nephrolepis one of the most popular indoor ferns. There are many types of nephrolepis, but any of them can become a real decoration of the room, and it doesn’t matter if it’s an apartment, Vacation home or office. But only healthy, well-groomed plants can decorate a room, so creating suitable conditions and proper care is the main task of flower growers.
In the garden first-aid kit of experienced gardeners, there is always crystalline iron sulfate, or ferrous sulfate. Like many others chemicals, it has properties that protect horticultural crops from numerous diseases and insect pests. In this article, we will talk about the features of using iron sulfate to treat garden plants from diseases and pests, and about other options for its use on the site.
Retaining walls are the main tool for working with complex terrain on the site. With their help, not only create terraces or play with planes and leveling, but also emphasize the beauty of the rockery landscape, the change in height, the style of the garden, its character. Retaining walls allow you to play with raised and lowered platforms and hidden areas. Modern dry or more solid walls help to turn the disadvantages of the garden into its main advantages.
There were times when the concepts of "tree-garden", "family tree", "collection tree", "multi-tree" simply did not exist. And one could see such a miracle only in the household of the "Michurinites" - people who were amazed by the neighbors, looking at their gardens. There, on the same apple, pear or plum tree, not only varieties of different ripening periods ripened, but also varieties of various colors and sizes. Not many despaired of such experiments, but only those who were not afraid of numerous trials and errors.
On the balcony, in the apartment, on suburban area- Everywhere enthusiastic people find a place for their favorites. It turns out that growing flowers is a very troublesome business and obeys only endless patience, diligence and, of course, knowledge. Providing flowers with a varied and healthy diet is only one, not the biggest, but the problem on the difficult exciting path of the grower. One of the most responsible and complex work for the care of indoor plants - this is their transplantation.
A unique combination of chrysanthemum-like flowers with fleshy original leaves and so draws attention to aptenia. But its ability to tirelessly and rapidly grow, the dazzling colors of both greenery and flowers are the main advantages. And although the plant was transferred to the mesembryanthemums long ago, aptenia still remains a special star. Hardy and unpretentious, but at the same time similar to a beautifully flowering star, it is rapidly gaining popularity.
Pollock fish soup is light, low-calorie and very healthy, it is suitable for a vegetarian menu (pescatarianism) and non-strict fasting. Pollock is one of the most common and affordable fish that can be found on the shelves of almost any store. This fish is from the cod family, the meat is dense, white. Pollock does not fall apart during cooking, there are not many bones in this fish, in a word, a suitable fish for both beginner home cooks and experienced economical housewives.
The front garden is the face of the garden and its owner. Therefore, for these flower beds it is customary to choose plants that are decorative all season. And, in my opinion, perennial front gardens that bloom in spring deserve special attention. Like primroses, they bring us special joy, because after a dull winter, more than ever, we want to bright colors and flowers. In this article, we suggest getting acquainted with the best decorative perennials that bloom in spring and do not require special care.
The climatic conditions of our country, unfortunately, are not suitable for growing many crops without seedlings. Healthy and strong seedlings are the key to a quality crop, in turn, the quality of seedlings depends on several factors: Even healthy-looking seeds can be infected with pathogens that long time remain on the surface of the seed, and after sowing, getting into favorable conditions, they are activated and affect young and immature plants
Our family loves tomatoes very much, so most of the beds in the country are given over to this crop. Every year we try new interesting varieties, and some of them take root and become loved. At the same time, over the many years of gardening, we have already formed a set of favorite varieties that are required for planting in every season. We jokingly call such tomatoes "special purpose" varieties - for fresh salads, juice, salting and storage.
Coconut pie with cream - “kuchen”, or German coconut pie (Butter milch shnitten - soaked in milk). It's no exaggeration to say that this is incredible. tasty pie- sweet, juicy and tender. It can be stored in the refrigerator for quite a long time; cream cakes are prepared on the basis of such a biscuit in Germany. The recipe is in the “Guests on the doorstep!” category, since usually all the ingredients are in the refrigerator, and it takes less than an hour to prepare the dough and bake.
The snow has not yet completely melted, and the restless owners of suburban areas are already in a hurry to assess the scope of work in the garden. And there really is a lot to do here. And, perhaps, the most important thing to think about in early spring is how to protect your garden from diseases and pests. Experienced gardeners know that these processes cannot be left to chance, and delay and postponing the processing time for later can significantly reduce the yield and quality of the fruit.
If you are preparing soil mixtures for growing indoor plants yourself, then you should take a closer look at a relatively new, interesting and, in my opinion, necessary component - coconut substrate. Everyone, probably, has seen at least once in their life a coconut and its “shaggy” shell covered with long fibers. Many delicious products are made from coconuts (actually a drupe), but the shells and fibers used to be just waste products.
Canned fish and cheese pie is a simple lunch or dinner idea for a daily or Sunday menu. The pie is designed for small family from 4-5 people with a moderate appetite. This pastry has everything at once - fish, potatoes, cheese, and a crispy dough crust, in general, almost like a closed calzone pizza, only tastier and simpler. Canned fish can be anything - mackerel, saury, pink salmon or sardines, choose according to your taste. This pie is also prepared with boiled fish.
Pine is perhaps one of the most typical representatives of coniferous plants on our planet. The tree is found in various natural zones from the equator to the Far North. Often forms extensive forests (mainly in temperate latitudes). Where do pine trees grow? What is the specificity of their artificial cultivation? How much do scientists allocate? We will answer these and many other questions in this article.
Coniferous trees: general information
Conifers are one of the divisions of the plant kingdom, represented by trees (most often), as well as shrubs and elfins. They grow almost all over the globe, but dominate only in one natural zone - the taiga. The two main distinguishing features of this unit are:
- The leaves are usually presented in the form of long thin needles.
- Seeds develop in specific shoots - cones.
Conifers are the oldest group of plants on Earth. Their remains are found in different parts of the world and date back 60-300 million years ago. Some of them have already died out without a trace, such as Voltian or Cordaite. The features and appearance of these plants can only be judged by the discovered fossil fragments.
Coniferous trees: examples
Typical representatives of the coniferous order:
- sequoia;
- pine;
- cypress;
- larch;
- cedar;
- juniper;
- fir.
Of all the listed plants on the territory of Russia, spruce, pine and larch are most often found. Where do these trees grow?
- Spruce is common in Europe, Asia and North America, widely represented in the expanses of Siberia and Far East.
- Pine has filled the temperate latitudes of Europe and Asia, it also grows in Southeast Asia and North America (from Alaska to Yucatan).
- Larch occupies vast areas in Russia, in particular, in its Siberian and Far Eastern parts.
So, we found out where pines, spruces and larches grow. Next, we will dwell in more detail on the botanical description of the pine, talk about the distribution and main types of this tree.
Pine tree: botanical description
Pines are a family of conifers with more than 130 species. In Latin, their name sounds like Pinus. It is believed that this name comes from the Celtic word pin, which translates as "resin". Pines really emit a fairly large amount of resin, generously enriched with phytoncides.
Pine wood is quite dense and at the same time soft. In terms of strength, it is second only to larch. It has a pleasant color, which darkens with age of the tree (and unevenly).
Pine shoots are of two types: long and short. Leaves (needles) are thin and elongated (5-9 cm long), usually collected in bunches of 2-5 pieces. The cones are oblong or ovoid in shape and consist of tightly closed scales. During the period of maturity of the plant, these scales open, exposing the seeds.
Distribution and main types of pines
Where do pine trees grow? In the natural environment, their distribution area is quite wide (see the map below). Pine forests are found in different parts of Eurasia, from equatorial to subpolar latitudes. In the tropics and near the equator, pines are found mainly in the mountains. These trees grow in North America (including the islands of the Caribbean), as well as in northern Africa (in the Atlas Mountains).
What is the name of the forest where the pines grow? vernacular name pine forest - forest. True, sometimes this word also refers to spruce forests. In a pine forest, as a rule, there is no undergrowth, but mountain ash, juniper and other low shrubs are often found. Aspen or birch is often mixed with pines here.
In the Northern Hemisphere, botanists number over a hundred different types of pines. Approximately half of them are cultivated. Among the most famous and common types:
- Common pine.
- Pine Siberian cedar.
- Black pine.
- Weymouth pine.
- Mountain pine (or European).
Pine in culture, literature and folk art
According to ancient Greek legend, the pine tree is the embodiment of the dawn nymph Pitis. Once she turned into this tree in order to hide from the evil god of the north wind Boreas.
Pine is quite widely found in the visual arts, in particular, in Russian. So, the image of a tree can be seen on the canvases of Ivan Shishkin, Fyodor Vasiliev, Paul Cezanne, and other prominent artists. Perhaps the most famous painting depicting pines can be considered the work of I. I. Shishkin “Morning in a Pine Forest”.
The mention of these trees is often found in the literature. Here, for example, is an excerpt from the fairy tale "Artel peasants" by Konstantin Paustovsky, a classic of Russian and Soviet prose:
“Varya woke up at dawn, listened. The sky was a little blue beyond the window of the hut. In the yard where an old pine tree grew, someone was sawing: Zhik-zhik, zhik-zhik! Apparently, experienced people sawed: the saw went loudly, did not jam.
There are many folk proverbs and sayings about pines. Here are just a few examples:
"Where the pine has grown, there it is red!"
"Pine trees seem greener in winter."
"Get lost in the three pines."
"From an apple tree - apples, and from a pine - cones!"
In addition, there are many children's riddles with the mention of this tree. Here is the most popular one:
“Where did the old pine grow? Where did the red squirrel live? What did she stock up for the winter? (Answers: in the forest; in a hollow; nuts).
Where do pine trees grow?
Pine - truly unique tree. After all, she knows how to adapt to a wide variety of conditions. environment. You can meet this tree on the swampy northern plains, and on the rocky cliffs of the Crimean peninsula. However, in mountainous areas, pines, as a rule, rarely rise above the mark of 800 meters.
Where do pine trees grow best? If we talk about the geological aspects of the territory, then this tree successfully settles on both sandy and rocky substrates. Some species of pines have adapted even to pure chalk deposits. However, these trees grow best in well-drained sandy or loamy soils.
Often in those places where pine trees grow, there is a significant excess of moisture. In this regard, they are also quite unpretentious. Pines perfectly adapt even to the conditions of marshland. As a rule, they are the first to "master" those lands that are unsuitable for all other trees, gradually fertilizing them with their own needles.
So, we found out in what natural conditions representatives of the pine family grow. And now it is worth talking in more detail about some types of pines. In particular, about those that can be found on the territory of our country. In addition, it would be useful to find out which pine grows where.
Scotch pine
Pinus sylvestris is the most common species in the pine family. It is light-loving and fast growing tree reaching a height of 30-50 meters. The crown is translucent and highly raised, often with a flat top. Bark color: light brown, reddish. The trunk, as a rule, is straight with a diameter of 0.5 to 1.2 m. The needles are quite long (up to 6-9 cm), bluish-green, slightly curved.
The distribution area of the tree extends over a fairly wide belt from Central Europe to the Far East. Where does Scots pine grow? It can be found on the loose sands of Mongolia, and in the swamps of Polissya, and in the mountains of the Caucasus. The tree adapts well to various natural and climatic conditions. However, it feels most comfortable in soils of light mechanical composition.
Scotch pine grows quite quickly. Lives 300-600 years.
Siberian cedar
Siberian cedar pine (most often referred to simply as cedar) is a majestic coniferous tree with a dense crown and a powerful trunk. Its branches are located close to each other and are covered with soft and long needles (up to 12 cm), which are collected in bunches. The shape of the cones is an elongated ovoid, the color is purple at first, and later brown. The cones contain seeds (“nuts”), which are eaten and used to produce cedar oil. One cone can hide from 30 to 150 such nuts.
Where does the cedar pine grow? The tree is widespread in the forest zone of Western Siberia (from 48 to 66 degrees northern latitude). Within Eastern Siberia, the upper limit of its range noticeably shifts to the south. Cedar is also found in the forests of Mongolia and northern China, growing on the slopes of the Altai Mountains (up to 2000 meters). On the territory of the Arkhangelsk region there are artificial landings Siberian cedar, planted in pre-revolutionary times.
weymouth pine
A slender and unusually beautiful tree with a very quality wood. The branches depart from the trunk strictly horizontally and are covered with thin, soft and long needles. In the 18th century, the wood of the white eastern pine (as it is also called) was actively used to build ships of the British Navy. It is now widely cultivated in forestry.
The natural range of the Weymouth pine is limited to North America. In particular, the tree is common in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. It is also found in Mexico, Guatemala and on the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. In the mountains it rises to a height of 1500 meters.
Perhaps, in the entire pine family, the most exotic appearance boasts the Bunge pine (Pinus Bungeana). It got its name in honor of the Russian botanist Alexander Bunge, who first described it back in 1831.
The tree stands out for its unusual bark. Initially, it has a greenish color. But with age, its scales begin to flake off, and the bark becomes grayish-white. The tree rarely exceeds 30 meters in height. The needles of the pine are hard, dark green, the cones are resinous, brown.
Bunge pine grows in the central and western part of China. The tree is actively planted in parks and gardens, used in landscaping city streets and squares.
Economic use of pine
Scotch pine wood is the most widely used by man. It is distinguished by its special hardness, density and high tensile strength. In particular, the following building materials and substances are obtained from it:
- construction logs and beams;
- shipbuilding and deck ridges;
- railway sleepers;
- plywood;
- cellulose;
- rosin;
- tar;
- turpentine, etc.
Pine is known and how medicinal plant. In folk medicine, almost all parts of this tree are used - buds, needles, bark, resin, seeds. So, the needles contain a number of vitamins and have an excellent bactericidal effect. Turpentine oil is widely used for arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia. Pine tar successfully treat skin ailments (eg, psoriasis or eczema).
Features of growth and growing conditions of pine
Pine tolerates severe frosts and low humidity. The tree is highly resistant to industrial pollutants. The only thing the pine is in dire need of is natural solar lighting. Therefore, it should be planted in open, unshaded areas. A sandy or sandy loam substrate is best suited for planting. In the case of landing in "heavy" soil (for example, black soil or loam), additional drainage of the site will be required.
Pine seedlings are usually planted in late April or early September. To do this, dig a meter-long hole and pour a mixture of soil, turf and river sand. You can also add a little nitrogen fertilizer (about 35-40 g). The optimal age of the seedling is 3-5 years. When planting in the ground, it is extremely important to ensure that the root neck of a young tree is at ground level.
In the first five years of its life, a pine seedling is gaining best case ten centimeters a year. Thus, a five-year-old tree does not exceed half a meter in height. In the future, the annual growth of pine increases to 25-60 cm per year, and after ten years of the life of the tree, it reaches 80-100 cm per year. In a thirty-year-old pine, growth in height slows down and the process of trunk expansion begins.
- Weymouth Pine Radiata.
- Pine Aurea.
- Pine mountain Gnome.
Where can you find pine in Russia?
Pine is one of the main forest-forming species in Russia. Within the country there are 16 of its species. The most common is Scots pine. In general, pines occupy about 15% of the area of all forests in Russia. In height, they often reach 50-70 meters. Where does pine grow in Russia?
Pure pine forests are widely represented in Siberia (as a rule, on sandy or stony soils). To the south of the conditional line Bryansk - Kazan - Ufa, these trees are extremely rare and dotted, forming only small forests and groves. However, in the mountains of the Caucasus and Crimea, they are ubiquitous.
In addition to Scotch pine, it is common in Russia Siberian cedar, and within the Amur region - also the latter is distinguished by more elongated cones and seeds.
Scotch pine or forest pine- Pinus sylvestris L. - a well-known coniferous tree from the pine family (Pinaceae) 25-35 (up to 40-45) m high, with a cone-shaped or rounded crown. The trunk diameter of the largest trees can reach 1 m or more. The trunk is not very fast. Branching is whorled. Young branches are covered with grayish-brown bark. Older branches and the upper part of the trunk are covered with yellow-red bark, peeling off in thin films. The lower part of the trunk of mature trees has a thick dark, heavily furrowed bark.
The root system of pine is very different in populations growing in different ecological conditions. In fairly dry habitats, it has a well-developed tap root. In areas with a close occurrence of groundwater, on the contrary, the root system is formed mainly by lateral roots, spreading in all directions.
Leaves in the form of needles, hard, narrowly linear, 2-6 cm long, sharp at the top, flat-convex in cross section, finely serrated along the edge. The needles are located on the branches in pairs, and the leaf pairs themselves are placed spirally on the shoot. Each needle stays on the tree for 2-3 years.
Male spikelets are crowded at the base of young shoots, they are yellow or reddish, ovoid, 5-7 mm long. Female spikelets are single or collected 2-3 in the upper part of the same shoots, reddish, oval, 5-6 mm long, equipped with short legs. Pine dusts in May - June. A lot of pollen is produced, so that the soil around the pines and the water surface of nearby reservoirs are sometimes covered with a thin yellow layer. Pollination is carried out by the wind.
Female spikelets with fertilized ovules begin to grow rapidly and turn into cones, first green, then gradually turning brown. In general, the seeds of Scotch pine ripen only 1.5 years after pollination, that is, in late autumn (usually in November) of the next year, so you can always see cones of different ages on the tree and different sizes. Mature cones are ovate-conical, up to 7 cm long, strongly woody. Seeds open and scatter only at the end of winter and early spring (in March - April).
Seeds are ovoid, 3-4 mm long, equipped with wings, which are 3-4 times longer than the seed. Wings, as you might guess, contribute to the long-range spread of seeds by the wind. Seeds have good germination. When the seed germinates, 5-7 trihedral arcuately bent cotyledons are brought to the surface.
Pine in the first years of life grows rapidly. The largest annual increase in trees occurs at the age of 15-25 years. Generative organs appear in trees growing in freedom at the age of 15, in dense plantations - at 30-40 years. Years with abundant seed production are repeated after 3-5 years. At good harvest seeds on one 100-year-old pine, there are up to 1,630 cones. The age limit for Scots pine is estimated at 300-350 years, but trees are known that are over 580 years old.
Pine spread
The range of Scots pine is very large, it occupies a significant area of the temperate zone of Eurasia. In Russia, pine is distributed wild throughout the forest zone, as well as in the forest-steppe. Pine also grows in many steppe regions. Here it occupies some elevations, grows on limestone and chalk outcrops, covers sandy massifs in river valleys. Forms clean forests of various types in a variety of habitats - from poor sands and chalk outcrops to raised bogs. It is mixed with other coniferous and deciduous forest-forming species. For its evergreen attire, it is highly valued and widely bred as an ornamental tree in towns, city gardens and parks.
The large area and the growth of pine in almost any habitat convincingly indicate that this plant has exceptional adaptability to the external environment. Pine feels equally good from the Arctic Circle to dry steppes. It is able to grow both in swamps and on dry limestones, stone placers and rocks. Just as radically, it adapts to the fertility of the soil, it can grow both on completely poor nutrients sands, and on the richest black soils.
Only in relation to one factor pine shows conservatism - this is the light regime. Pine is very light-loving. 
Economic use of pine
Pine wood is the main Russian building and ornamental material. The wood is soft, resinous, with a strong resinous odor, it is well pricked and processed. cutting tools. Telegraph poles, sleepers, mine racks, ship masts are made from it, it is used in housing construction, in car building, furniture and plywood industries. To a limited extent, wood can be a raw material for the paper and pulp industry. Pine sawdust - raw material for the production of hydrolytic alcohol. When burning wood, sawdust, wood chips with little access to air, soot is obtained, which is used to make paints, inks, waxes.
By tapping a pine, that is, by special cuts on its bark and wood, resin-resin is obtained. Turpentine and rosin are removed from the resin by steam distillation. Turpentine is used in the production of varnishes, it serves as a raw material for the synthesis of camphor and other compounds that are used in medicine and perfumery. Rosin is used in the soap, paper, rubber, paint and varnish industries, as well as in medicine. She rubs the bows and strings of musical instruments.
Tanning extracts are obtained from the bark. The ground bark is utilized in the production of substitutes for cork, linoleum, and insulating boards. Fishing net floats are made from old bark.
Essential oil is obtained from fresh coniferous pine branches (“legs”). To do this, "paws" are boiled and steamed for 1.5-2 hours. The oil yield is 0.2% on average. It is used in the perfume industry. In addition, pine oil is a component of immersion oil. The fraction remaining after distillation of the oil is used in medical institutions as a nerve tonic called "pine extract for baths." 
Concentrates of carotenoids (provitamin A) and chlorophyll derivatives are obtained from coniferous pine branches. They are in great demand in the cosmetic industry and agriculture(in animal husbandry).
Features of harvesting pine as a medicinal raw material
Pine buds are harvested in winter and spring, from October to May in dry weather. Harvesting is carried out mainly in logging sites. With a sharp knife cut the kidneys together with the base of the shoot 2-3 mm long. Dry in the air in the shade or in ventilated areas. The finished raw material is fragrant, has a bitter taste. Store in sealed jars for up to two years.
Medicinal value of pine and methods of medicinal use
Pine is an ancient medicinal plant. It has been used for the treatment of Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome. The resin was used in the treatment of colds. Avicenna claimed that the smoke from burning pine prevents tearing, fills ulcers in the eye and strengthens vision.
In our time, medical use is primarily pine buds, which are young vegetative shoots in the initial stage of growth.
They contain essential oil, resin, bitter (panipik-rin) and tannins, ascorbic acid, mineral salts. Due to the complex composition of biologically active substances contained in the kidneys, they have expectorant, diuretic and disinfectant properties. Medicines from them (most often these are decoctions) treat bronchitis and other lung diseases. Pine buds - component chest collection appointed for the same purposes.
Pine buds are not recommended for glomerulonephritis and hepatitis, as well as during pregnancy. 
In folk medicine, a decoction of the kidneys is given to drink for dropsy, rheumatism, chronic inflammation of the bronchi, asthma, and an infusion of them for tuberculosis.
10g pine buds pour 1 cup hot boiled water, close the lid and keep in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. Cool for Yumin., strain and squeeze out the remaining raw materials. Pour the resulting broth with boiled water to the original volume (200 ml), take during the day in small portions. Folk healers offer another recipe for treatment.
In case of consumption and chest diseases in general, collect in the spring pine or fir cones, dry in the shade and use as a tea for 2 cups of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of cones. Boil several times and drink 1 glass in the morning and in the evening.
Alcohol tincture and decoction are prepared from pine cones, used as a blood purifier for chronic rashes, chronic inflammation of the bronchi, dropsy and rheumatism. 
One tablespoon of male inflorescences is brewed in 2 cups of boiling milk, and in the absence of it - in water, a full tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 raw eggs are added, stirred and taken in 3 doses during the day.
If you have bronchitis, try an effective folk remedy - a decoction of the buds and needles of young pine branches: pour 5 g of the mixture with 1 cup of hot boiled water, simmer for 20 minutes, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. You can prepare syrup: pour 50 g of this mixture in a thermos with 1 cup of boiling water, thaw for 2 hours. Strain and add 300-500 g of sugar, cook until thickened. Take 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day.
You can put 1 tablespoon of kidneys in a thermos in the evening, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Insist during the night, the next day drink the entire infusion (in a warm form) in 3-4 doses for 20-40 minutes. before meals.
One tablespoon of the kidneys is poured with 1 cup of boiling water, insisted for 40 minutes, filtered. You need to drink 2-3 sips directly when you cough.
With tuberculosis, you can prepare the following tincture: 5 tablespoons of pollen to infuse in 0.5 liters of vodka for two weeks. Take 25 g before meals 3 times a day. If for some reason you were unable to collect the pollen, use freshly drained pine resin to prepare the medicine.
Both are not a specific treatment for tuberculosis, but are widely used along with other remedies as a strengthening organism. Sometimes, with pulmonary tuberculosis, they drink a decoction of immature pine cones. Pine buds in folk medicine were also used as a cholagogue for inflammation of the gallbladder. 
Pine needles have healing properties. It contains a lot of ascorbic acid, so the infusion from it - effective remedy prevention and treatment of scurvy and beriberi. In addition to vitamin C, tannins, bitterness, flavonoids, essential oil, coumarin, salts of manganese, iron, copper, boron, zinc, molybdenum, as well as a significant amount of carotene (provitamin A), vitamins K and E were found in the needles. drugs that have shown good clinical results as stimulants for the healing of purulent wounds.
Turpentine oil (turpentine), which has local irritating, distracting, analgesic, disinfectant properties, is used externally in ointments and liquids for neuralgia, myositis, gout, rheumatism, arthritis. Usually, for grinding, turpentine is mixed with petroleum jelly or
lard (in a ratio of 1:2 or 1:4).
Turpentine baths are used for salt deposition, arthritis, rheumatism, gout and as a tonic. Turpentine is added to baths during treatment according to the Zalmanov method.
Pine pollen is useful for rheumatism and gout, as well as after serious illnesses and operations. The dusty male spikelets of pine are dried in the sun, and then the pollen is shaken out of them, which is brewed as a tea or taken with honey.
For pain in the lower back and joints, sciatica, sciatica ethnoscience recommends applying steamed fresh pine sawdust wrapped in gauze to the lower back.
With putrefactive bronchitis, inflammatory diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, it is recommended for her as an antimicrobial and deodorant inhalation agent with turpentine - 15 drops per 1 glass of hot water. 
How antiseptic turpentine is taken orally, but in very small doses, as this can cause vomiting and even poisoning.
Take pine root, ginger, overheated and cinnamon, all equally, crush them together; mix it with pure unleavened honey, bake unleavened food from it, dry them and let's eat: whoever does not have a voice, his voice will be pure and eloquent" (Shchurov).
We must not forget about the healing qualities of the air in the pine forest. Volatile secretions of pine needles have high ability disinfect the surrounding air, so the air in the burs is almost sterile. That is why walking in the pine forests is not only pleasant, but very useful for both sick and healthy people, especially those who spend a significant part of their lives in gassed cities and towns.
Noteworthy is the popular observation that is relevant to us in connection with the annual recurring influenza epidemics. It turns out that it helps a flu patient if in the room where he is, several times a day, burn small pieces of pine resin. This disinfects the air in the house and gives it a wonderful, persistent resinous odor that is pleasant to the patient and those around him.
In order to disinfect the room where the patient is located, it is sprayed with turpentine.
By dry distillation, tar is obtained from pine wood, which is widely used in the form of 10-30% ointments for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, scabies and other skin diseases. Pine tar is a part of sulfur-tar soap, Vishnevsky's ointment, etc.
From pine needles, which contain a large amount of vitamin C and phytoncides, you can prepare a vitamin infusion at home.
For a daily intake for one person, take up to 50 whole branches of pine and lower them in small portions into boiling water, taken in five times the amount in relation to the mass of needles. Boil 20 min. (taken in the spring, boil for 40 minutes), filter and defend. To improve the taste, a little apple cider vinegar and sugar are added to the infusion. The resulting drink is drunk during the day in two divided doses.
For a vitamin drink, only fresh needles are collected and used. AT winter time pine branches can be stored under snow or in unheated room about 2 months. In the living room, pine branches can be stored for no more than 10 days (their lower ends are lowered into the water). At the same time, the active volatile substances of the needles disinfect the surrounding air.
For the treatment of nervous and cardiovascular diseases, an extract from needles and cones is prepared for baths. They take needles, twigs and cones, pour cold water and boil for half an hour, after which it is well closed and left to infuse for 12 hours. A good extract has Brown color. For a full bath, it requires 1.5 kg, for a half bath - 3/4 kg, for a seated and foot bath - 1/4 kg each. 
With pain in the heart, young female pine cones covered with red scales also help well. Fresh red cones are poured into a jar in a loose layer for 2/3 of its volume, then vodka is topped up and infused for 2 weeks. Take from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
Pine-needle baths have an extremely effective effect on persons with painful irritability and strengthen the heart and nerves. Therefore, such baths are used with great success not only for the suffering of the heart and nerves, but also for nervous insomnia and agitation, paralysis, gout, articular rheumatism, obesity, asthma, respiratory diseases.
Baths with pine extract are useful for recuperation after a serious illness. The duration of the bath is 10-12 minutes, daily or every other day. The same baths can be used for therapeutic inhalations, if 20-30 drops of pine needle oil are added to the bath. Vapors saturated with essential oil have a good effect on the mucous membranes and skin of the face. 
Hot baths of pine needles or their extract are good for leucorrhoea. Frigid women are well helped by the combination of a decoction of pine branches with valerian root. In the morning for 30 min. boil pine branches in a pot or bucket. Put as many branches as will fit in a bowl, fill them with water, close the lid and boil for 30 minutes, leave to infuse until the evening. Then strain the broth, bring it to a boil again, add valerian roots (at the rate of 5 tablespoons of roots per 5 liters of broth), sweat Yumin. and take a bath.
In the postpartum period, with oncological diseases of the genital area, with multiple sclerosis, with diseases of the kidneys and the cardiovascular system, the following remedy is useful: pour 3-5 tablespoons of chopped fresh needles into 0.5 liters of boiling water, cook over low heat in a sealed container for 10 minutes ., periodically stirring the contents, insist in a warm place for 10-12 hours, strain. Take the entire dose during the day in a warm form, slightly sweetening the decoction.
Burns, as well as some skin diseases, are treated with chlorophyll-carotene paste, which is produced from pine needles.
Kidney stone disease, renal colic can be relieved by the finished drug pinabine, which is a solution of essential oil from pine needles in peach oil, which is consumed 5 drops on sugar 2 times a day for 15-20 minutes. before meals. 
Contraindications to taking pinabine: nephritis, nephrosis, pregnancy.
Pine resin is popularly used in the treatment of catarrh, ulcers, stomach cancer, and externally in furunculosis. 96 Pour liquid resin-resin on an ulcer or wound, bandage it. Change several times within 2-3 days. Rinse the wound with alcohol after the resin and apply the resin again. If the resin is dry, it must be dissolved in 90% alcohol. This is done as follows: sort out the resin, put it in a glass jar or a bubble with a wide neck. Pour in 90% alcohol (alcohol should cover the resin by 1 cm), after a few days the resin will dissolve.
V. I. Dal in the Explanatory Dictionary mentions vodka infused with pine needles and cones, which in the Yaroslavl region is drunk from an ache. 
The cure for radiation (Professor Efimov's "golden" recipe). Take a handful of pine needles (30-50 g) - better from the end branches of pine. Pour 2 liters of water in an enamel bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of crushed onion peel and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped licorice (licorice) root or its powder, boil over low heat for 20 minutes. Then add 2 tablespoons of mashed rose hips and boil for another half a minute. Put under a blanket or pour into a thermos for 10-12 hours, then strain, bring to a boil, cool. Drink without norms, without certain rules. Within 48 hours you need to drink from 1 to 5 liters. This recipe prevents not only radiation, but also many other diseases, removes toxins, and gives the effect of fortification in the spring.
Prepare the collection: 6-7 tablespoons of young shoots and needles, 4 tablespoons of rose hips, 3 tablespoons of viburnum berries, pour 1 liter of boiling water. Drink 1/4 cup warm.
In the everyday sense, it is difficult to agree with the scientific name of the pine - "ordinary". Whoever used folk pine medicines knows that Scotch pine has extraordinary properties, gives extraordinary results in treatment, which is why Russian healers have always appreciated it, loved it, called it God's tree. Let us conclude the praise of the pine tree with a parable-conspiracy that was common among the people. And you know the conspiracy - remember, pass from generation to generation: 
Lord our God!
Send me a beauty tree!
Do not be angry with the servant of God -
For the sick I carry, the believer in Christ.
Cast out you filthy ailments from your teeth,
Don't let it bleed
Give strength to enter Your temple!
Chest pain
Scabs, scabies Holy ring. take yours!
I'll go to the bath, I'll be cured by your tree,
I will go to your temple, Lord.
Save and keep me with the household!
According to Raphael, the pine tree is ruled by Jupiter and is healing for those born under the signs of Sagittarius or Pisces.
One of the most valuable coniferous species is considered to be Scotch pine, which can reach a height of 40 m, due to which it belongs to plants of the first magnitude. In diameter, the circumference of the trunk reaches 1 m. A feature of the bark is that at the base it is thicker than that which covers the trunk in the upper part. Thus, Scotch pine is protected from possible ground fire or overheating.
One of the most valuable coniferous species is considered to be Scotch pine, which can reach a height of 40 m.
The bark is red-brown in color, can peel off, has grooves. Those trees that grow more closely, in dense forest stands, have a more openwork crown and a thin trunk. Pine at a young age has a cone-shaped crown, later it becomes round, wide, and already old trees have flat shape, in the form of an umbrella.
Pine needles are usually bluish-green in color, densely arranged, curved, sticking out, and the needles are collected in bunches of 2 pcs. The needles are no more than 4-7 cm long, slightly pointed, in the middle there is a thin longitudinal strip. Its life span is approximately 3 years, in the autumn some of the needles fall off, before that they turn yellow, due to which the branches look colorful.
Pine is that coniferous plant that has its own unique ways preparing for the onset of winter. In order to prevent the appearance of fumes on the needles, which will be fatal for them, the tree releases a special wax that falls on the needles: the stomata close and the plant's breathing stops.
Pine needles are usually bluish-green in color, densely arranged, curved, sticking out, and the needles are collected in bunches of 2 pcs. As for the cones (pine fruits), in this tree they are located on the legs lowered down singly or a maximum of 2-3 pieces. The cone in its immature form is cone-shaped, it is usually dark green in color, in rare cases it can be brownish. They mature only in the second year of life. As the cones mature, they turn from green to rich brown or brown, 3-6 cm by 2-3 cm in size, and seeds are formed in them.
A brief description and description of pine as a coniferous plant may be different, as there are several various forms, which have their own crown structure, shape and color of cones. The crown can be both pyramidal and weeping, and the shade of the needles can be silvery, golden, whitish.
As for the bark, it is scaly or lamellar.
The range of Scotch pine affects the most diverse areas in terms of ecology. Exactly because of this reason this species the plant has an impressive number of ecotypes (scientists have identified more than 30 after research). If we observe pine seedlings of different origins that grew in identical conditions, we can get an amazing result - they will be different in their ability to resist diseases, be resistant to drought and cold, etc. In addition, morphological characteristics (trunk structure, crown shape, needle length) can also be different.
If the plant is in sufficient favorable conditions, for example, in a swampy area, then it cannot reach normal sizes while remaining dwarfed. In such cases, even those trees whose age exceeds 100 years may not be higher than 1 m.
Often this plant is resistant to frost and heat, loves the sun. Of those species that grow on sandy soils, pine is the most resistant to drought and a constant lack of moisture. Its roots can penetrate the soil even up to 6 m. Thanks to this, even during a period of drought, the tree receives the necessary amount of water.
Needles no more than 4-7 cm long, slightly pointed, in the middle there is a thin longitudinal strip This ability of the pine led to the development of different types of root systems in different populations. If the tree grows in a dry area, then the root system will be predominantly pivotal, and if ground water lie rather shallow, then the roots will become more branched due to the presence of lateral processes. The tree perfectly takes root on sandy and sandy loamy soils, it can very rarely be found in the southern regions, where it is often planted in windbreaks, in ravines and on the edge of gullies. In addition, it grows on peaty, clay soils. This plant is common in Europe, Siberia, Mongolia, China. It is considered the most popular tree of Eurasia.
Gallery: Scotch pine (25 photos)
Scotch pine: useful properties and applications (video)
Pine breeding
Pine is well propagated by seeds. To create favorable conditions, you need high-quality soil and an abundance of sun. Grown seedlings are recommended to be transferred to the ground upon reaching 3-7 years of age. The tree reacts rather badly to the polluted, gassed city air, for the reason that after 2 years the needles with a resinous surface are likely to be covered with soot and dust. This barrier will interfere with normal photosynthesis.
As for the life expectancy of a plant, on average it is 200 years, but individual specimens, if grown in favorable conditions, can live 2 times longer. The annual growth is significant - about 50-70 cm. This figure is higher only for deciduous trees. At the age of 15, active fruiting begins, but if the trees are planted very densely, then the fruits appear only at 40 years. Every 5-7 years, abundant harvests can be observed.
Some mistakenly believe that the pine tree is dioecious (has both male and female flowers). But this is a delusion: this plant is monoecious. And this means that either female or male flowers predominate on one tree.
The female inflorescences are located on the edge of the branches and have the shape of a small cone, while the male ones are located near the base. Some believe that the presence of cones of one kind or another is determined hereditarily. But it has also been proven that, depending on the conditions where a tree grows, its "sex" can change dramatically.
The flowering period begins when the air has already warmed up enough: usually this is the end of May. The wind helps to pollinate the trees, but the actual fertilization will occur only in next year. A yellow coating on the needles is an indication that this event has occurred. Excellent pollination is made possible by the presence of special sacs that pollen has. Thus, it can be carried over long distances due to the wind. The weather also affects the rate of pollination: best of all (within 3-4 days) this process occurs on warm, dry days. Rain can slow things down.
As for the life expectancy of a plant, on average it is 200 years, but individual specimens, if grown in favorable conditions, can live 2 times longer. Distinctive features of wood
This plant has a fairly dense, sound wood with a lot of resin. Young trees have a straight layer of wood, which turns into a cross-layer with age. Mechanical characteristics and density are important in construction and are determined by a number of factors, among which soil moisture plays an important role. If the tree has grown in a dry area, then the wood will be more dense, resistant to various kinds of damage.
Instances growing on wet ground will be of little use for construction due to low mechanical characteristics.
Experts recommend pruning pine, as it develops very quickly and can outrun closely spaced trees of other species, dominating them. Coniferous plants should be pruned in order to give them the correct shape, maintain the structure of the tree, and contribute to the long life of the crop. In addition, if pruning is carried out correctly, then this will make it possible to form a crown, which will be subject to negative weather influences to a minimum.
Application in various industries
The branches and the actual trunk of this coniferous plant have special passages filled with resin, which is popularly referred to as "gum". This substance has a positive effect on the plant itself, helping to repel various pests and heal wounds. "Sap" can be obtained not only from a growing tree, but also from a stump. This resin is used in the production of turpentine and rosin.
In addition, in a pine forest, the air is saturated with ozone, which means that there are practically no microbes in it, so rest and walks in such places are prescribed for people suffering from various diseases (especially those associated with the respiratory tract).
In medical practice, kidneys are often used. They are recommended to be collected in early spring - before they have had time to bloom. They contain tannins, resins, essential oils, bitter substances, starch. The needles also contain a lot of carotene and ascorbic acid.
Since ancient times, people have known about the value of pine, its beneficial properties. So, it was a medicinal plant, which was considered an important component of ancient Egyptian recipes. Pine needles were added to poultices and compresses, and pine resin was added to embalming compositions. Russian doctors advised chewing pine resin in order to strengthen the gums, teeth, refresh and disinfect the oral cavity. Greeks and Romans used medicinal properties of this coniferous plant to get rid of colds.
Useful properties of pine (video)
How to grow a tree yourself
Some people want to grow this on their plots. evergreen tree. To do this, you can purchase a ready-made seedling, which is at least 5 years old. But if you have patience and a desire to start growing yourself, then you can get a tree even when there is only a cone, and there are seeds in it.
As a rule, the seeds are well tied in cones that are shaped like a cone or an egg. From the very beginning, the cones are distinguished by very tight-fitting scales, but during the ripening period they open, exposing the seeds underneath. It takes at least 2 years for the latter to mature and be suitable for reproduction.
To plant a pine, you will need to select the most mature seeds that have the correct shape and same size. Before planting, the grains need to be soaked in water for 3 days, after which, mixed with sand, placed in pots. When spring comes, germinated seeds can be transferred to open ground.
Thus, pine is a useful plant both in medical practice and in construction industry, and for landscaping areas near the house. It is only necessary to take care of the crown in a timely manner and monitor the moisture content of the soil.