Cedar and pine are coniferous trees. At first glance, they are very similar, but in reality this is not so at all. In order to distinguish trees, one should know not only their external features. They differ significantly in the specifics of growth.
How to distinguish cedar from pine? This is a short story in this article.
general information
Today, the number of species of pine is ten times higher than the number of species of cedar. And it grows in larger spaces. In addition, the variation in size and generic traits in pine are much more diverse.
It is less whimsical to the soil, since its powerful and long roots go deep into the earth, and therefore the tree eats nutrients and moisture from the deep layers of the earth.
Further, more detailed information is presented on how to distinguish cedar from pine.
Places of growth
Cedars grow in the subtropics of the mountainous Crimea, the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. Depending on the name of the area where they grow, they are divided into types: Himalayan, Crimean, Lebanese, etc.
Pines grow more in the temperate subtropical climate of North America and Eurasia. In total, scientists distinguish 200 varieties of this coniferous plant. Both cedar and pine are evergreen trees. Various natural conditions create various forms of plants from the bush to trees with huge crowns.
Features
How do cedar and pine grow? Cedar is a monoecious evergreen plant, and the height of a tree with an impressive spreading crown can reach up to 50 meters. The needles gathering in bunches have a spiral arrangement. Each needle-like needle has a trihedral shape and is painted in emerald-steel color. Cedar cones, located singly and shaped like a barrel, stand on the shoots with candles. They ripen in the second or third year of formation.
Pine, also a monoecious plant, has long or shortened needles. Two to five needles are also collected in a bunch. When damage appears on a tree, rosettes form at this place, from where needles gradually grow. The color of the needles depends on the climate and soil composition. It can vary from deep green to light with a silver tint. Pine cones are oblong and hang from the branches.
Wood
How is cedar different from pine when using their wood as a building material?
Materials from many coniferous species of wood, due to their characteristics, are widely used in the construction of baths, houses, gazebos and other objects. The material is popular in interior decoration. But it should be noted that conifers are different and have differences in quality.
How to distinguish cedar from pine? How not to make a mistake in choosing a material for construction? The properties of these two breeds are very similar in many respects, but there are still some differences. Pine is subject to severe drying, so it is not a very durable material. In addition, after drying, she has deep furrows. Cedar in this regard is slightly different from pine, it has other positive aspects, the main of which are the following: a beneficial effect on a person and preservation of the original appearance for a longer time.
A bit about the benefits of pine cones
It should be noted the benefits of pine cones. Absolutely all parts of the plant are used in folk medicine. Of particular benefit are its fruits.
Pine cones - a storehouse of a large number of nutrients. Young cones rich in valuable biologically active compounds are very useful. They are used in traditional medicine for the following purposes:
- as a fortifying and restorative remedy;
- to relieve inflammatory processes;
- for vasodilation and blood purification;
- for recovery from stress and illness;
- as a urinary and choleretic agent and many others. other
Finally
The main differences between cedar and pine:
- The plant is above the pine.
- It has a longer lifespan (up to about 800 years), compared with pine (up to 120 years).
- Flowering occurs later.
- Fewer furrows on wood.
- Thermal conductivity is 30% less than that of pine, which is associated with greater porosity.