Conifers grow almost everywhere, including both warm and cold regions. In some areas, representatives of this family prevail over other plant species. The most famous of them are fir, spruce, pine, cedar, juniper, cypress, larch, yew and sequoia. Mostly these are tall trees, but there are dwarf representatives of them, and shrubs. In our latitudes, conifers are widespread, but not everyone knows, for example, the difference between spruce and pine.
Features of these trees
All representatives of gymnosperms are united by the method of reproduction using cones. This species is called so because their seeds are located directly on the scales of the cones. Another feature of these trees is that they have needles instead of leaves. This is an adaptive function developed during adaptation to cold conditions of existence. Conifers have the shape of a cone, they often grow very high, and they don’t dump their needles over the winter. These are common features of all representatives of this species.
A very important quality is also the composition of the wood, which is enriched with such important components as ethers, resins and trace elements, which give these trees special value. They use it in the manufacture of various types of products, from clothing and paper products to high-end furniture, for the production of which the best representatives of the forest are selected.
Spruce and pine
These are the most common representatives of gymnosperms. Peacefully existing in the coniferous kingdom, spruce and pine trees have a fragrant aroma and elegant shape, standing out against the general background. It is these conifers that are found in every city, in the forests, and are used as raw materials for the manufacture of paper, furniture, and for construction. Many poems and songs are devoted to them, in all countries there is a custom to decorate the Christmas tree for the New Year. The needles and resin of these trees are also used in medicine and cosmetology.
Spruce: a brief description
This is a very beautiful coniferous tree of a pyramidal shape. In the first 15 years, the spruce is considered a young tree and has a simple root of the core structure. Then, in the process of development, it becomes more branched and the main root dies as unnecessary. An identical situation occurs on the surface; for a long time, the tree grows exclusively upward, without giving lateral processes.
The trunk is covered with scaly layers of gray bark. I saw it in a light-colored spruce with a light golden hue, practically does not emit tar, the structure is homogeneous. The shape of spruce needles differs in a conical structure. Full renewal of coniferous crown occurs within 6 years. Places left without thorns are covered with fresh vegetation in the coming year.
Considering the cones of different conifers, you can understand the difference between spruce and pine. On closer inspection, a cylindrical shape and slight pointedness can be noted. A feature of spruce cones is also that they hang down.
Types of Fir Trees
For a more detailed examination of the characteristics of these trees, it is worth mentioning the blue spruce. This beautiful plant is used for decorative planting. The height of an adult tree can reach 50 meters. True, often there are specimens no higher than 25-30 meters with a trunk diameter of 1.5 meters. The needles of spruce initially take a conical shape, then, growing, become cylindrical. The length of the needles does not exceed 3 cm, and the cones of blue spruce in length can grow up to 11 cm, taking shades from reddish to purple.
Glen spruce is an original tree with a plain crown. In height, it reaches about 30 m, while the trunk diameter varies from 60-80 cm. The Japanese, Kuril Islands, as well as some regions of Sakhalin are the main place for this interesting species to grow. Looking at this tree, you can clearly understand the difference between spruce and pine. This is mainly the shape of needles and the length of the needles, not exceeding 3 cm. To this can be added the structure of the bark and wood.
Pine: short description
Pine is a centuries-old tree, and its age can range from 100 to 600 years. There are subspecies of this plant as shrubs, trees or dwarf trees. Currently, only a few copies are known that have survived to the mark of 500 years. The height of the pine can reach 75 meters, and its base is 4 meters wide. Preferring average air humidity, this tree in wetlands does not exceed 1 meter.
Pine grows in open areas, as it is a photophilous plant. Here, the pine height can reach a maximum of 50-75 meters, and the variety of shapes and sizes of pine cones affects with unpredictable bends.
What are the pines
This family includes several different species. For example, consider the common pine. The main places where the tree perfectly stuck were European and Asian territories. The length of the needles can reach 10-15 cm. Centuries-old trees are distinguished by sprawling branches, high strength and resinousness. The trunk of the tree is straight, covered with a thick protective layer of gray-brown bark. The top of the pine tree is distinguished by an orange-red bark, which quickly and easily coarsens. The main growth of the tree occurs in the first century of its life.
Dwarf pine is used as a decoration for personal plots. She perfectly takes root in a small area, is easily processed and does not leave garbage. In addition, due to its small size, it can be placed in a small area. These trees are perfectly combined with the flora of any landscape design thanks to all kinds of colors. Dwarf pine is an unpretentious plant, but for planting it is necessary to use seedlings aged 3 to 7 years. It is possible to exclude additional watering, since trees are able to receive all the necessary moisture on their own from the environment. An exception may be the most arid regions.
What is the difference between spruce and pine
These two trees have become so familiar to modern man that many do not even think which of them grows under their windows. And on the New Year's holiday, dressing up the prickly beauty, everyone calls her the "Christmas tree." But after a detailed study of the facts, you can understand the difference between spruce and pine.
- Firstly, the structure of pine wood allows it to be used as an excellent raw material for the woodworking industry. While spruce is used only for the production of paper and lumber of poor quality.
- Secondly, if you look closely at the needles of trees, you can easily see the difference between the long spruce and pine needles.
- Thirdly, the trees are completely different in shape: the branches of the spruce are always lowered down, covering the trunk, in contrast to it the branches of the pine, like candles, are directed upwards. On spruce branches are located evenly throughout the trunk from top to bottom. In pine needles are located mainly in the upper part of the trunk.
- The fourth difference is the root system, thanks to which massive trees are held on the surface. Spruce rhizome often comes to the surface, which makes it vulnerable to windy and arid areas. Pine roots go deep into the ground, which allows it to firmly hold on to its place, regardless of climatic conditions.