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Where larch grows. larch wood

- one of the most common species of coniferous trees. Belongs to the pine family.

The plant is often found in forests, mountains, park areas. In addition, it can be a wonderful part of your garden decor. This breed is valued not only for its beauty, but also for its durable, decay-resistant wood. In total, there are about twenty types of plants, the article discusses the most basic types and varieties of larch.

Tamarack

American larch is most commonly found naturally in Canada and the northeastern regions of America. The tree reaches a height of 12 to 30 m, the diameter of the trunk varies within 50 cm. It has a dense cone-shaped crown with long curved branches.

The bark of young representatives has an orange or dark yellow hue, in adult plants it is brown with a red tint. Larch needles are 1 to 3 cm long. Plants of this species have the smallest cones. They reach only 2 cm in size, but they have an unusual nice shape like rose flowers. There are only up to 4 seeds in the cones.

Did you know? The needles of all types of larches turn yellow in autumn and fall off. It is thanks to this feature that the plant got its name.

The tree loves well-lit places, it is not demanding on soil fertility. It grows even on the poorest soils, in permafrost regions. However, the most favorable for development are loose loamy and sandy loamy places. When growing in the garden, you need to pay attention to the irrigation regime: young tree watered quite often, and the adult - only during periods of drought. Propagated by seeds, which are formed in cones. However, they rise very slowly.

Important!This view is not suitable for curly pruning. It is allowed to remove only small knots in the autumn.

It reaches a height of 40 m, with a diameter of about 150 cm. It is very similar to Siberian larch, but has some differences. Some of them are:

thickening of the trunk to the base;
light yellow, slightly raised branches;
larger seeds.

The needles are collected in a bunch, formed on short shoots. Cones are brown, covered with orange villi, can be both oval and rounded. It can grow with spruces, firs, pines. The period of development reaches 350 years.

Did you know? Arkhangelsk larch is one of the most valuable species. Its wood is very strong, durable, contains a large number of resin and unusually resistant to decay.

Gmelin larch (Dahurian)

This type of larch is known for its extraordinary resistance to frost, unfavorable weather conditions and poor soils. It grows in areas of permafrost, on rocky mountain slopes, swampy and peaty places.
It reaches a maximum height of 30 m, and a width of 80 cm. It is distinguished by a thick bark with deep furrows. The crown is oval. The needles are collected in a bunch and densely scattered along the branches, mostly in a checkerboard pattern. The needles are narrow, long, have a beautiful light green shade in spring and bright green in summer. The buds, when open, look a lot like rose flowers. By the end of summer, they acquire a charming crimson color. Larch fruits ripen in late summer - early autumn.

This species is actively used for decorative purposes. Gmelina looks very nice in park areas and alleys. The disadvantages of such larch are low seed germination and slow growth.

AT natural conditions grows in Western and Central Europe on the slopes of foothill zones. It grows from 25 to 40 m in height, from 0.8 to 1.5 m in width. Sagging branches are an expressive feature of the species. The crown may be oval or irregular in shape. In young representatives, the bark is gray, in adults it is brown.
The needles have a delicate light green color, reach a length of 0.4 cm. On the branches they are collected in bunches, which are densely scattered in a chaotic manner. The cones of trees of this species open weakly, have a rich brown color.

Propagated by seeds that ripen in October. An empty cone can hang on a tree for about ten more years. European larch is cold-resistant, grows well on mountain soils, does not like waterlogged soils. Lots released today ornamental varieties European larch. The most popular representatives include:

"weeping"- looks like a willow, its branches are thin and tips down;
"creeping"- it is distinguished by an unusual trunk, which practically lies on the ground and winds along it, the crown is represented by thin falling shoots;
"compact"- differs in low growth, dense squat crown with thin shoots;
"corley"- has a round shape, does not have a central shoot.

In the scientific literature, European Polish larch is also distinguished separately. It occurs very rarely. It differs from European larch in the oval shape of cones and a slightly curved column (from the side it resembles a crescent).

Important! European larch has an increased ability to purify the air. Therefore, such a tree is especially recommended for growing in polluted, dusty regions.

In height, the plant reaches from 30 to 80 m, in diameter from 0.9 to 2.4 m. It differs from previous species in short shoots and a crown in the shape of a pyramid. The bark of representatives of this species has a brown tint with a grayish tint and deep furrows. The needles are light green, from 0.2 to 0.4 cm long, collected in bunches and densely planted on the shoots. In mid-October, the needles turn yellow and fall off, and in May a new one will grow in its place.

Cones are long, red-brown, poorly opened. Such biological features they differ significantly from the previously considered species. After opening, the cones often remain on the tree, acquiring a grayish tint. Western larch seeds germinate well and quickly.

Larch loves well-lit places with loose, fertile soil. Decorative forms of the plant must be cut regularly. Prefers moist soil, so during periods of drought needs watering.

The characteristic of Cajander larch is very similar to the description of Gmelina. Their buds are especially similar, which are represented by five or six scaly rows and have a charming dark red color, which is very similar to roses. Old buds change color to light brown. They reach a length of 0.3 cm. However, Cajandera has narrower cones than Gmelina.
It grows up to 25 m in height, up to 0.7 m in width. The bark of young trees is gray, in adults it is dark brown with a red tint, densely strewn with longitudinal cracks. The needles reach a length of up to 6 cm, collected in bunches of 10-60 needles.

Did you know? It's amazing how many years Cajander larch has been growing. The tree lives for about 800 years, and in favorable conditions can live up to 900.

This species is winter-hardy, grows well even on infertile, cold soils. Propagated by seeds. AT warm conditions seeds ripen and germinate fairly quickly.

Kamchatka larch (Kuril)

Under natural conditions, it grows on the Kuril, Shantar Islands, Sakhalin. It reaches a height of 35 m, in diameter - 0.4 m. The crown is irregular, closer to an oval shape. It differs from other species in long horizontally arranged branches. Cones are oval, reach 2 cm in length, 1.5 cm in width.

seaside larch

Is a hybrid. She was bred by crossing Kamchatka larch with Gmelina. It reaches a height of 25 m, a width of 0.6 m. The branches are of a grayish hue with sparse hairs. The needles are dark green in color, slightly bluish at the tips, reach a length of 3.5 cm. Cones are oval in shape, grow up to 3 cm in length. During maturation, the scales of the cones open by 40-50 degrees. Seeds are brown with a red tint.

AT vivo grows in the coniferous forests of Siberia, the Urals, Altai. Rarely found in deciduous forests. Likes podzolic, moist soil and plenty of sunlight.

It reaches a height of 40 m, the diameter of the trunk varies from 10 to 180 cm. The crown is rare, oval. The bark has a grayish tint and deep longitudinal furrows. On young plants it is light yellow and smooth. The needles are narrow, 4.5 cm long, flat, light green in color. On the branches, the needles are collected in bunches of 25-40 pieces.
Siberian larch cones are oval, up to 4 cm long, up to 3 cm wide. They are formed from 20-40 scales, which are arranged in 5-7 rows. Young cones are brown, old ones are light yellow in color. Empty cones hang on the branches for about 4 more years, then fall off. Larch seeds are small, yellow.

Important!Needles and resin of Siberian larch have powerful hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Siberian larch has two types of branches:

long annuals with single needles;
short perennial, on which the needles are collected in bunches.

This species also has a powerful root system. Therefore, even strong winds trees are not threatened. Larch blooms in April-May with spike-shaped flowers. Seeds ripen in October. The tree begins to bear fruit at the age of 12-50 years, depending on the climatic conditions of growth. On average, larch lives for about 400 years.

(lat. Lárix) - genus woody plants pine family, one of the most common species of coniferous trees. Larch - single genus conifers, in which the needles fall for the winter. However, larch seedlings retain needles throughout the year. If we take into account that in their “childhood” trees show the features of the most ancient forms, it can be assumed that the deciduousness of larch is a secondary quality. Probably, its ancestors were evergreen trees, and the ability to drop foliage in autumn arose as a result of adaptation to a harsh climate (with frosts up to 60 ° C). Due to its exceptional frost resistance and unpretentiousness, larch is very widespread.

About 20 species of larch grow in the cold and temperate zones of Europe, Asia and North America. The most ancient species grow in the mountain systems of the Himalayas, Eastern Tibet and the Cordeliers. In Russia, there are 6-7 species and several hybrid forms that have arisen at the junctions of ranges. The participation of larch in the species composition of forests increases with the advancement to the north. 14 species of larch grow in Russia. Of these species, the largest economic importance have Dahurian and Siberian. Larch in Russia occupies the most large areas among all species - about 40% of the forest area and 33% of our total timber stock is concentrated in them. In harsh climatic conditions, larch reaches operational performance only by 150-200 years.

Larch is a monoecious tree, usually large, up to 35–50 m high and up to 1 m in diameter. and short shoots with bunches of needles (20-40 each).

Larch forests (larches, listvyaga) - light coniferous pure or mixed forests with the main species (dominant) larch. The most significant areas are occupied in Northern Eurasia, North America (Canada), small areas- in Central and East Asia(China) and Western Europe. In Russia - the bulk in Western and Eastern Siberia, in the Urals, in the mountains of Southern Siberia and Transbaikalia, in Far East. In the northwestern regions of the European part of Russia, larch forests are found in small areas.

Larch forests are distributed in various climatic and soil conditions, from the arid central regions of Asia, where they border on the steppes, to the forest tundra and the upper forest line in the mountains. Up to 80% of deciduous forests grow in the zone of continuous permafrost. Larch forests are the most common type of vegetation cover in Russia. Their appearance varies significantly from region to region.

Characteristics of larch wood

Larch wood is characterized by increased strength compared to oak - 96 MPa by 94 MPa. The density of the Siberian larch is 620-725 kg/m3 at a humidity of up to 12%, which is not much inferior to the density of oak 670-720 kg/m3. In addition to its special strength and resistance to external influences, it is characterized by good color and structure.

Larch belongs to the heartwood species. It has a reddish-brown heart and sharply limited narrow white or slightly yellowish sapwood, clearly visible annual layers with a clear boundary between early and late wood.

The texture of larch is determined on longitudinal sections by the width of annual layers, the difference in color of late and early wood, as well as the heartwood and sapwood. The texture on tangential sections is especially rich and beautiful. The wood is slightly knotty. Larch wood has a low uniform density, i.e. it is characterized by a significant difference in density between late and early wood.

Freshly cut larch wood has a water absorption moisture content of 126%. Just like in other species, a growing larch tree exhibits seasonal and daily fluctuations in humidity, which, while maintaining the general pattern, manifest themselves to a much lesser extent.

Moisture absorption and water absorption of larch wood is significantly lower than that of pine due to greater density. Using protective coatings products made from it practically do not change their moisture content during operation, so larch can be used for parquet. The moisture conductivity of larch is also significantly lower than that of pine, spruce and birch, which requires a special approach to drying larch lumber.

Larch belongs to the species with strong shrinkage. Significantly more than that of pine and spruce, and the internal stress that occurs during the drying process of larch lumber. Therefore, such lumber is more prone to cracking and warping during the drying process than other softwoods.

The density of wood significantly depends on the type and place of growth. The most dense wood is found in deciduous timber obtained in Altai, followed by the Urals and the Urals. European larch has the lowest density.

The air permeability of larch wood (core) is the lowest among all our species. The same can be said about water permeability. Due to this, larch wood is difficult to impregnate with various protective qualities.

In addition to the beautiful texture and color, larch has very high strength properties. It is slightly inferior in these indicators only to hardwood species. Its mechanical properties also significantly depend on the species and place of growth.

Possessing high physical and mechanical properties, larch wood at the same time requires a certain technological approach during its processing. Saw blades are heavily tarred when sawing. It is difficult to process with a conventional tool, but it is well polished and painted (after deresining the surface.)

Larch harvested in Altai, in the regions of the Baikal region, in the upper reaches of the Lena and Angara have the best qualities. Larch wood belongs to the group resistant to biological impact (fungal attack). Moreover, biostability increases with the age of the tree. More biostable wood in the lower (butt) part of the trunk.

Prolonged exposure to water leads to a noticeable increase in larch hardness. During the construction of Venice, about 400 thousand pieces of larch piles were hammered to strengthen the foundations of various structures. In 1827, i.e. after 1000 - 1400 years, part of the piles was examined. In conclusion about their strength, it is said that the piles from the larch forest, on which the underwater part of the city is based, seem to have turned to stone. The wood has become so hard that both the ax and the saw can hardly take it.

Due to the nature of the resin that impregnates larch, it is not attacked by carpenter insects, and also allows it to be used without any chemical processing in cases where other breeds are susceptible to rot.

Fire resistance of larch wood, according to research conducted by the Moscow State University forests, about twice as high as that of pine wood.

Daurian larch has valuable properties. This is a sound rock with resin passages. The sapwood is narrow white color with a slight brownish tint; the heartwood is reddish-brown, sharply different from the sapwood. Annual layers are very well distinguished in all cuts due to the sharp difference between early and late wood and their number in one centimeter is 12-16 pieces. Larch wood in terms of physical and mechanical properties ranks first among Russian conifers, while Dahurian larch gives wood with higher physical and mechanical properties (by 10%) than Siberian larch. The height of the trunk is up to 46 meters, the taper is 1.2%.

The use of larch wood

Larch wood is used in small shipbuilding, construction, carpentry - elements building structures, wall beam, parquet, moldings, window frames, sleepers and poles of power lines.

Piles and other elements of hydraulic structures are made of larch, which serve indefinitely. One example is Venice, which has already been mentioned above. Another example - the piles of the Troyan bridge across the Danube stood for 1800 years.

The parquet of the Ostankino Palace of Counts Sheremetyevs, the window frames of the Winter Palace prove that larch wood can serve for many years without the use of special antiseptics.

At present, a technology has been developed for the production of glued laminated timber and larch furniture panels. Larch wood in glued structures can be combined with pine (under certain conditions).

The path of the Olympic cycle track in Krylatskoye is made of larch.

larch wood as per view round timber, and in the form of lumber is in steady demand in the market Western Europe. Moreover, prices for larch wood are practically not subject to seasonal fluctuations and remain stably high.

Larch wood is used: for equipment of swimming pools, beaches, moorings of boats, balconies, loggias, terraces, shower rooms, lining of built-in equipment, cabinets, partitions, wardrobe rooms, panels, etc.

The cost of products or structures made of larch wood is higher than that of pine, but the products are much more durable. The strength of the root wood is much higher than the stem wood, and the curly texture gives it a special expressiveness. Festive and ritual dishes were cut down from the root wood. A ladle with a capacity of one and a half buckets is stored in Zagorsk. The ladle was hollowed out in the 18th century. from the root of a larch by a certain Volga master.

Until the middle of the XIX century. in Russia, it was forbidden by law to sell larch wood to private individuals - too much of it was required for military and commercial shipbuilding (and even now there are restrictions on its use). An exception was made during the construction of the Winter Palace, St. Basil's Cathedral, the cathedrals of the Moscow Kremlin, the Manezh (now the Central Exhibition Hall in Moscow), where the frames and ceilings were made of larch wood.

The high acoustic data of larch were used in the 17th century. in the manufacture of an organ in the Polish city of Kazimierz.

On old trees, you can find tinder fungi, or a larch sponge. Evenks used it for washing and washing clothes. Larch soap gives abundant foam, easily washing away dirt. A rich red dye for fabrics was also prepared from the sponge. In terms of the content of resinous substances, the larch sponge has no equal. Before the revolution, it was exported in large quantities abroad, and now it continues to be exported. Also in Ancient Rome"White Agaricus" - as the Romans called the larch sponge - was used as a valuable medicinal raw material. exported from northern countries the sponge was highly valued in Arabic medicine. For needs modern medicine agaric acid is extracted from it.

Durable as amber, larch resin refreshes the mouth, cleans teeth well and strengthens gums.

The bark of the tree is also a valuable raw material. Taiga residents get red-brown paint from it. Strong textile dyes are produced from larch bark, essential oils and tannins are extracted.

In the epic tales of the Mansi peoples, larch was revered as a symbol of power, longevity and ever-renewing life. Larch is a soothing tree. It heals nervous disorders, especially those accompanied by bouts of melancholy and depression. Medicinal properties larches are determined by biologically active substances - antioxidants that help the body fight aging and various diseases, especially under conditions of stress, polluted environment, radiation.

When creating conditions for growing larch in the backyard, be sure to make sure that decorative flowering or rare collection plants are not planted nearby. The thing is that although larch is a coniferous tree, for the winter it completely sheds its needles, as a result of which the entire soil along the diameter of the crown is densely covered with yellowed needles.

Larch Larix belongs to the Pine family (Pinaceae). The genus is represented by 10-15 related species growing in the temperate and cold zones of the Northern Hemisphere. In Siberia and the Far East, larches are forest-forming species.

This page describes what larch trees look like different types and how to take care of these plants.

Description of larch and use in landscape design (with photo)

All types of larches are outwardly similar large deciduous trees with horizontal, widely and unevenly spaced, and sometimes hanging branches. The first thing to note when describing larches is the power of trees and their branching. root system. They will grow up to 50 m in height. Individual specimens live up to five hundred years of age or more. The bark is coarsely wrinkled, thick. The needles are needle-shaped, flat, thin, soft, light green or bluish. Male "flowers" are solitary, rounded or ovoid, formed at the ends of short leafless shoots.

As you can see in the photo, the cones of the larch tree are small, oblong-ovate, young ones are green or purple, mature ones are gray-brown:

Seeds ripen and spill out in the first year, but the cones stay on the branches for several years. The percentage of fully developed seeds is small, and their germination capacity disappears in the 2-3rd year.

The larch tree is one of the most valuable industrially. The active use of wood has led to a significant reduction in the European distribution area. If in the XII century extensive larch forests were located even in central Russia, then at present this tree begins to dominate in the forests only starting from Siberia.

All types of larches are equally valuable for decorating the garden. As a rule, they are planted as tapeworms (attracting the attention of single specimens) or create backstage groves from them.

See how beautiful compositions with larches are in landscape design in these photos:

Against the background of deciduous larches, spruce and fir look spectacular. Joint plantings coniferous larch trees with the addition of deciduous species to them - the main theme of the classic park compositions of the northern gardens. Larches easily tolerate pruning, but are unsuitable for curly haircut. To form a compact crown, pruning of large branches and branches in early spring or autumn is possible, as well as shortening of young growths, which causes active tillering and crown compaction. Young larches are flexible, elastic plants, and this allows them to bend their trunks and branches, intertwine branches and, fixing on a support, change the type of their growth. Applying this method and combining it with a haircut, you can create “live” arches, pergolas and arbors using larches in landscape design.

Popular types and varieties of larch: photo and description

Widely popular in culture and absolutely frost-resistant - falling larch, or European (L. decidua), Gmelin larch, or Daurian larch (L. gmelinii), American larch (L. laricina).

Larix decidua - Falling larch, or European.

It grows in the mountains of Central Europe, occupies large areas and reaches the level of alpine meadows. It has many cultivars of different habits and types of growth.

Larix decidua compacta.

Dwarf variety of European larch. The branches are densely pubescent, the needles are soft, green. Annual gains within 10-12 cm. Autumn color of needles from golden to dark orange. Fully cold hardy. The autumn color of the needles of this variety of European larch is from golden to dark orange. Fully cold hardy.

Larix decidua Lucek.

Srednerosly variety of European larch. The branches are upright. The needles are golden in spring, pale green in late summer. Annual increments are 30-50 cm. Autumn color of the needles is from golden to dark orange. Fully cold hardy.

Larix decidua Pendula.

A weeping variety of European larch. The branches are densely pubescent, falling, brittle.

Pay attention to the photo - the needles of this larch variety are soft, green:

Annual increments up to 70 cm. Autumn color of needles from golden to dark orange. Fully cold hardy.

Larix decidua Horstmann's Recurved.

Large-sized variety of European larch. The branches are twisted, growth is irregular, some of them are erect, others are cascading. Annual growths within 50 cm. Autumn color of needles from golden to dark orange. When describing this variety of larch, it is especially worth noting its high frost resistance.

Larix decidua Krejci Mutation.

Dwarf variety of European larch. Growth is irregular. The branches are densely pubescent, the needles are soft, green. Annual increments within 50 cm.

Larix decidua Pali.

A weeping variety of European larch. The branches are densely pubescent, falling, brittle. The needles are soft, green. Annual increments up to 30 cm. Autumn color of needles from golden to dark orange. Fully cold hardy.

Larix gmelinii - Gmelin larch, or Dahurian.

It forms powerful forests in the Far East, replacing a close species in Eastern Siberia - L. sibirskaya. In the highlands, it has a twisted shape and dwarf growth, which is used by gardeners to create bonsai dwarf trees. The needles are tender, green, slightly bluish. It has a few varietal varieties.

Larix laricina - American larch.

Forms large forest areas in the mountains of North America.

As shown in the photo, the needles of this type of larch are delicate, light green:

It has cultivars of different habits and types of growth.

Larix laricina Tharandf.

Mini-grade American larch. Round shape. The needles are gray-blue, soft. Autumn color of needles from golden to dark orange. Annual increments 5-6 cm. Completely hardy.

Larix kaempferi - Kaempfer larch.

It grows in the mountains of the Far East. The needles are tender, bluish-green. It has numerous varietal forms with bluish and blue needles. Widely used to create bonsai trees.

Larix kaempferi Blue Ball.

Dwarf variety of Kaempfer larch. The shape is rounded. The needles are soft, green. The autumn color of the needles changes from golden to dark orange. Annual growth 10 cm. Fully hardy.

Larix kaempferi Cruwys Morchard.

Virtually indistinguishable from Larix kaempferi Little Bogle. Branches lash-like, densely pubescent. The needles are soft, gray-green. The autumn color of the needles changes from golden to dark orange. Annual increments within 10 cm. Fully hardy.

Larix kaempferi Cupido.

Dwarf variety of Kaempfer larch. The shape is rounded. The needles are soft, gray-green, the autumn color of the needles changes from golden to dark orange. Annual increments within 10 cm. Fully hardy.

Larix kaempferi Diana.

A large variety of Kaempfer larch. Spreading oval shape. The branches are curved, the needles are soft, green. The autumn color of the needles changes from golden to dark orange. Annual increments over 30 cm. Completely hardy.

Larix kaempferi Gray Pearl.

Dwarf variety of Kaempfer larch. The shape is rounded. The needles are soft, gray-green. The autumn color of the needles changes from golden to dark orange. Annual increments within 5-7 cm. Completely hardy.

Larix kaempferi Little Bogle.

Virtually indistinguishable from Larix kaempferi Cruwys Morchard. Branches lash-like, densely pubescent. The needles are soft, gray-green. The autumn color of the needles changes from golden to dark orange. Annual increments within 10 cm. Fully hardy.

Larix kaempferi Mazanek.

Srednerosly variety of Kaempfer larch. The branches are curved, whip-shaped, randomly located. The needles are soft, green. The autumn color of the needles changes from golden to dark orange. Annual increments within 30 cm. Fully hardy.

Larix kaempferi Minor.

Srednerosly variety of Kaempfer larch. The branches develop in a vertical direction, whip-like. The needles are soft, green. The autumn color of the needles changes from golden to dark orange. Annual growths within 30 cm. Completely frost-resistant,

Larix kaempferi Stiff Weeping.

A weeping variety of Kaempfer larch. Oval-elongated shape. Branches densely pubescent, drooping.

The width and height of the plant can be set by the gardener himself. The needles are green-blue. Autumn color of needles from golden to dark orange. Annual increments within 50 cm. Fully hardy.

Larix kaempferi Wehlem.

Dwarf variety of Kaempfer larch. The shape is rounded flattened. The needles are soft, gray-green-blue. Autumn color of needles from golden to dark orange. Annual increments 5-7cm. Fully frost resistant

Check out the photos above:

Larix sibirica - Siberian larch.

Forms extensive forests in Siberia and the Far East. This is the most common plant in Russia. The needles are tender, light green. Unfortunately, it has practically no garden cultivars.

Below you will learn how to properly grow larch in the garden.

How to grow larch in the garden

When planting and caring for larches, do not forget that these are "freedom-loving" plants. Only in an open place do they acquire a characteristic sprawling crown shape. In shaded places and in thickened plantings, they are not very decorative.

Larch trees are undemanding to soils, both sand and clay can be used to care for growing trees, but these crops still give preference to light, fertile, slightly acidic loams.

Adult specimens have a powerful, branched root system and do not need top dressing. Young plants can be fertilized in the spring after the snow melts on wet ground with a complex or combined mineral fertilizer, but in no case with fresh manure and feces.

Transplantation when caring for larches should be carried out either in early spring before bud break, or in autumn after the leaves turn yellow. At the same time, it is possible to deepen the root collar, although it is undesirable. Plants with actively growing shoots require pruning, take root poorly and get sick for a long time, so it is not recommended to transplant them.

Young larches easily tolerate transplantation, large ones can be transplanted only after pre-training when, as a result of repeated pruning of the roots, a dense lump is formed. If the plant is planned to be transplanted in the fall, then pruning is carried out in the spring; for transplantation in the spring, a lump is prepared in the summer of the previous year. In the process of caring for transplanted larches, you must follow the same rules as when growing other conifers - water abundantly, and during spring transplantation, you must also spray until the tree takes root.

Mature larches are extremely drought-resistant. Young plants require sufficient watering during the period of active growth and are able to tolerate the proximity of groundwater, for adult plants, waterlogging is detrimental.

Most species are highly frost-resistant. Young summer shoots often suffer from late frosts, but grow back easily.

The next section of the article is devoted to how to propagate larch in the garden.

How to propagate larch: conditions for growing crops from seeds

Most in a rational way Larch reproduction is by seed. Only freshly harvested seeds are suitable, but even among them the percentage of germination is low. When stored under normal conditions, germination is lost after a year, and sometimes even after 3-4 months, but if they are kept in an airtight container at a temperature of 0 to 5 ° C, they will sprout after 10 or more years.

Freshly fallen seeds from cones are capable of immediate germination, since their embryo is in the stage of shallow dormancy, but dried and, all the more so, stored seeds need to awaken the embryo through stratification.

The following methods of sowing crop seeds are most rational:

Winter sowing. In the fall, immediately after harvest, without drying, the seeds are sown in a ridge to a depth of 3-5 cm and mulched to a height of 1-1.5 cm. In the spring, after germination, the plants are dived or left on the ridge until autumn or next spring.
Snowing. Seeds are sown in boxes in autumn or winter, kept warm for 2-3 weeks and then taken out under the snow until spring. In the spring - at the beginning of summer, after the emergence of seedlings, the plants are planted in a ridge or left in boxes until autumn.
cold stratification. At the end of winter, seeds are sown in boxes or bowls in an earthen mixture consisting of rotted leaf ground, peat and coarse sifted sand in a ratio of 3:1:1. Crops are kept warm for 2-3 weeks, and then stored in a refrigerator or cellar at a temperature of +3 to +5 ° C for 1-2 months, maintaining an even moderate level of substrate moisture and a constant temperature.

Larch wood is more durable than oak and is 96 MPa by 94 MPa with almost the same density. hallmark larch wood is also a characteristic structure and beautiful coloring.

In terms of structure, larch belongs to the heartwood species. Its heartwood has a reddish color, and the sapwood is presented in the form of a narrow strip with clear contours of white or yellowish color. Annual rings are clearly visible, the boundary between early and late wood is pronounced. The wood has a beautiful texture. The reason for this is the different color of the sound and sapwood parts of larch, as well as the fact that there are very few knots in its structure.

It has an uneven density, which is due to the large difference in the density of the layers of early and late wood. Dense larch wood when freshly cut has a water absorption of 126%. Depending on the time of year and time of day, the humidity of a growing tree changes its values. True, in a small range, the reason for which is again high density.

The low water absorption values of larch make it possible to use its wood for the manufacture parquet board High Quality. Larch tends to significantly reduce its volume after drying. Due to the low water permeability of wood, the drying process itself differs from drying other types of wood. Larch warps and cracks during drying, because internal stress increases very much.

The climatic conditions in which the tree grows also affect physical properties wood. So, for example, a larch grown in conditions European climate, has a much lower density than that grown in Altai or the Urals.

Larch wood is almost impossible to impregnate with any protective properties. It's connected with high density and low air and moisture conductivity.

The physical and mechanical properties of hardwood allow it to be used in many areas. The processing technology is specific. It is very heavily impregnated with resins, and when sawing, it is often necessary to clean the blades of saw cutters from resin. Before painting and sanding finished larch products, upper layer must be degreased and cleaned of resin, otherwise it will not be possible to obtain the desired result. But after the resin cleaning procedures, larch wood can be easily painted and polished.

Larch wood has unique properties, for which it is especially valued, the most important of them:

Larch has a very high resistance to fungal diseases and other biological damage. Moreover, the most biological stability is observed in the lower basal part of the trunk.
The resin impregnated with larch has very strong bactericidal properties. Now pharmacies have begun to sell it as “larch sulfur”, and earlier, and in some places even now, people willingly collected it and melted it, getting an unusually fragrant and healthy “chewing” gum. But that's not the point. Due to this resin, the tree does not require chemical treatment from damage by harmful insects.
Under prolonged exposure to water, the hardness of larch increases, the tree acquires the hardness of stone. At the same time, the time spent by the tree in the water also works to increase its strength. In Venice and Amsterdam, houses stand right in the water on larch pile foundations. That is, without any reservations, we can say that this tree gains strength over the years and has passed more than a thousand-year test of time.
Its fire resistance in comparison with other conifers is much higher. So, in relation to pine, this figure is 2 times higher.

Among all coniferous tree species harvested in Russia, larch, in terms of its physical, mechanical and decorative properties unequivocally in the lead, and within its Russian varieties, Dahurian larch is considered the most valuable. It surpasses other types in terms of strength and decorative characteristics. The trunks grow over 45 meters high and the taper is 1.2%.

Areas of use of larch wood

The remarkable properties of larch wood are the reason for its wide range of uses in industry. Construction, shipbuilding, the manufacture of musical instruments, the production of parquet, glued beams, sleepers in the construction of railway tracks, power poles - it is impossible to enumerate all the possibilities of using this wood.

Larch in historical buildings

In the palace of Count Sheremetyev, larch parquet.
In Moscow, in the Kremlin cathedrals and St. Basil's Cathedral, as well as in the Winter Palace of St. Petersburg, window frames and ceilings were made from it.
The Olympic cycle track in Krylatskoye - the paths are built of larch.
Larch was used in the manufacture of an organ in Kazimierz (Poland) as early as the 17th century, due to the high acoustic properties of its wood.
A ladle has been preserved in the city of Zagorsk handmade, which is hollowed out from the root of a larch. The wood of its root system is the most decorative. The size of the roots is amazing. So, this bucket, which is hollowed out from the root, has a volume of more than 15 liters.
Underwater piles on which buildings in Venice and Amsterdam stand.

Application in construction and industry

Demand for this wood is not decreasing and is always high. This type of wood was especially fond of the inhabitants of Western Europe. It goes on sale not only in the form of lumber of various plans, but also in the form of logs (roundwood).

Modern builders use it when equipping piers, pools, loggias and balconies, shower rooms, wall panels and furniture. In Russia during construction wooden houses they try to tie the lower crowns of the house from larch. If it is being built wooden bath, then the use of larch in lower crowns became the rule.

Not only the wood itself is used. Valuable raw materials are resin and larch bark. Tannins, essential oils and dyes are produced from the bark, and larch sulfur is a taiga chewing gum that has antibacterial and healing properties.

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Larch

plant description

Under favorable conditions, the height of larch can reach 40 meters or more. This is a long-lived tree, the age of which can vary between 300 - 600 years and even more (larches are registered, whose age is 800 years).

Larch grows quickly, withstands low temperatures and can grow in permafrost conditions. In addition, this plant is distinguished by smoke and gas resistance.

What does a larch coniferous tree look like?

The young tree has a clear cone-shaped crown, while the old tree has a wide open crown. Under the condition of sparse plantings, the crown will be sprawling, but in closed spaces it will be highly raised and relatively narrow.

Male spikelets, which have a rounded ovoid shape, have a yellowish tint, and female cones are reddish-pink or green.

Annual needles shed in autumn are soft and narrowly linear, turning light green in spring and golden yellow in autumn. The length of the needles reaches 1.5 - 4.5 cm (it all depends on the breed of larch).

Small cones of larch can be round, ovoid or almost cylindrical. cones ripen in early spring, and the seeds from them spill out in early spring or next summer, while empty cones can decorate trees for several more years. Cones fall in autumn.

Seeds retain germination for one or two (rarely three or four) years. It should be noted that the seeds that have fallen from lonely standing trees, are almost identical.

The bark of a tree trunk can be dark or light (depending on the type of larch).

Where does it grow?

mixed type

Larch is an extremely photophilous and undemanding tree to the soil, which not only does not renew itself in shading, but also does not grow.

This tree can be found in moss swamps, on dry or, on the contrary, waterlogged soils, as well as in permafrost conditions. Only in such unfavorable conditions, this tree is most often characterized by short stature and stuntedness.

Fertile soil for larch should be sufficiently moist and well drained.

How to distinguish larch from pine?

Larch sheds leaves and needles on winter period. Pine is an evergreen coniferous tree that can change shades of needles depending on the season.
Larch has soft needles 1.5 - 4.5 cm long, while it is spirally located on the shoots and collected in bunches of 20 - 40 pieces. The length of the pine needles is 5 cm, it is located along the entire trunk in a spiral and collected in bunches of two.
Larch has a thicker trunk, which can reach 1.8 meters in diameter. Pine cannot boast such a powerful trunk.
The larch is crowned with a more transparent crown, and the pine is thick and fluffy.
Larch lives up to 600 years, and pine up to 350.
Larch bark (especially on young trees) is much lighter than pine bark, but in older specimens this difference becomes less noticeable.
Small cones of larch have a very elegant rounded shape, and they are covered with velvety hairs. In winter, it is the cones that are the only decoration of this tree. Pine cones have a classic cone shape. With the advent of spring, the opened pine cones fall off.

Larch varieties

traditional medicine

European larch (common)

The crown of common larch has a conical shape, while side shoots she has dangling. The buds of this tree are distinguished by the presence of a large number of shiny outer scales of a reddish-brown hue (scales with ciliated edges are arranged spirally on the bud).

The needles of European larch are tender and non-thorny. This tree blooms, starting from 15 - 20 years, while the flowers appear in May (flowers are concentrated in small spikelets of yellow or reddish color).

Brown cones, up to 4 cm long, have an ovoid-conical shape and consist of 6 (and sometimes 8) rows of slightly convex scales. I must say that the common larch cones ripen in the fall, and this happens in the year the tree blooms, but they open only in the early spring of the next year. Those cones that are left without seeds can remain on the tree for several years. Young cones turn bright red or pinkish in spring, thus resembling small roses. Mature cones are brownish in color.

The leaves of European larch, collected in bundles, mainly 30-40 pieces, are of unequal length.

Anthelmintic
Pour 100 g of larch resin with 600 ml of alcohol and leave for 20 days, then strain the tincture and take 10 drops (it is also recommended to dilute the product in 100 ml of water) twice - thrice a day.

Young shoots, like buds, are collected in early spring, when the covering scales are still tightly pressed to the bud itself. But the blossoming kidneys are not used in traditional medicine.

Resin (resin), which includes essential oil and rosin, is extracted by cutting during the growing season.

The bark is carefully removed from the felled trees.

How to dry larch?

But the bark should be heat treated before use (for example, boiled or steamed in a water bath), and then dried at room temperature (this drying method will help get rid of pests and microorganisms contained in the bark). Such raw materials can be stored for a long time.

The needles are stored in a cold place (it is possible under the snow), which will help to keep the vitamins in full for two to three months.

The composition and properties of larch

Essential oil

increased secretion of glands;
normalization of the digestive tract;
reduction of fermentation processes in the intestine;
normalization of the functioning of the central nervous system;
increased bile secretion;
toning the cardiovascular system;
elimination of foci of inflammation.

Vitamin C

lowering the content of uric acid;
normalization of redox processes;
increased immunity;
strengthening of capillaries;
increased growth and development of bone tissue;
elimination of toxins;
elimination of inflammation.

Tannins

elimination of inflammation formed on the intestinal mucosa, and protecting it from all kinds of irritations;
decrease in the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract;
normalization of digestion;
removal of salts of heavy metals.

Gum

neutralization or reduction of the negative impact of certain medicines, including antibiotics;
lowering cholesterol levels;
decrease in appetite;
elimination of toxins.

Catechins

neutralization of free radicals;
prevention of cell destruction, which slows down the aging process;
neutralization of bacteria;
elimination of foci of inflammation.

Flavonoids

normalization of the central nervous system;
reduction of fragility of capillaries;
normalization of blood pressure;
normalization of the heart rate.

Anthocyanins
Action:

strengthening the heart muscle;
prevention of the development of Alzheimer's disease;
strengthening capillaries and blood vessels;
elimination of bacterial infections;
slowing down the aging process;
normalization of metabolism;
a significant reduction in the risk of developing cancer and diabetes;
normalization of the functioning of the nervous system;
removal of inflammation.

organic acids

restoration of acidity;
normalization of digestion;
increased blood clotting;
stimulation of the formation of red blood cells;
removal of pain syndrome;
normalization of sleep;
removal of inflammation.

Glycosides

increased urination;
vasodilation;
promoting sputum discharge;
neutralization of microbes.

Carotene

lignin
This substance not only absorbs, but also removes salmonella, staphylococci, certain types of fungi, toxins, all kinds of allergens, ammonia, salts of heavy metals through the gastrointestinal tract.

Properties:

enterosorbent;
detoxification;
antidiarrheal;
antioxidant.

larch properties

Soothing.
Antimicrobial.
Deodorant.
Enveloping.
Laxative.
Hemostatic.
Anthelmintic.
Antiscorbutic.
Anti-inflammatory.
Antibacterial.
Analgesic.
Astringent.
Wound healing.
Detoxification.
Expectorant.
Distracting.
Diuretic.

The benefits of larch

Treatment with larch

Needles (leaves)

So, two teaspoons of chopped fresh pine needles are poured into a glass of milk, after which they are simmered over low heat for no more than 7 minutes, while the container should be tightly closed with a lid. Strained broth is drunk three tablespoons three times a day, 30 minutes before eating.

Needles will help get rid of bad breath and periodontal disease, for which it is enough to chew it (by the way, this part of larch has a pleasant sour taste).

Also, larch leaves are used to make a fortified drink, which not only quenches thirst, but also prevents the development of many diseases.

Pine needles are one of the components of dietary salads, which have not only benefits, but also high taste qualities.

Interesting fact! The indigenous population of Yakutia has long used larch needles (or rather larch broth prepared from the inner layer of the tree bark) instead of bread. Such a white and very juicy cambial layer of bark was boiled in water, after which they were eaten, previously diluted with sour milk.

Branches (shoots)

Young fresh larch branches are used as an effective analgesic for gout, rheumatism, and joint damage of various etiologies.

Larch shoots are used in the treatment of cough, chronic bronchitis (especially if the disease is accompanied by purulent sputum), flatulence, urolithiasis and helminthic invasions.

Baths with the addition of infusion from fresh branches of the plant are indicated for the elimination of joint pain and neurological diseases.

larch bark

As an external agent, larch bark preparations are indicated for abscesses and purulent wounds, trophic ulcers and hemorrhoids.

According to the results of studies conducted by American scientists, it was found that larch bark contains a large amount of arabinogalactan, an extract that perfectly enhances and strengthens the immune system.

With the help of infusions from the bark, you can speed up the healing of a hernia, get rid of diarrhea and intestinal infections, normalize menstrual cycle, especially if the latter is characterized by the fact that menstruation is not only plentiful, but also painful.

Bark powder accelerates the ripening of boils.

Our ancestors used a decoction of the bark as an expectorant, diuretic, laxative and emetic.

Fruits (cones)

Mostly larch fruits are part of multicomponent folk remedies, the use of which is indicated for coughs, nervous and heart diseases, and colds.

In addition, honey is made from green cones collected in May, used in the treatment of asthma, gastrointestinal diseases, physical as well as mental exhaustion.

To prepare a kilogram of pine honey, you need 80 green cones, which are placed in enamelware, are poured with a liter of water and boiled for an hour (the readiness of the cones is indicated by the fact that they can be easily pierced with a fork). Next, the warm broth is filtered, after which 1 kg of sugar is added to it. Honey is put on fire again (sugar should be completely dissolved). In order for honey not to become sugary, it is necessary to add a small amount of citric acid. Honey removed from the fire is stored in a dark and cool place, and in a hermetically sealed container. Honey is taken one tablespoon three times a day, washed down with water.

larch buds

Larch buds in the form of infusions and decoctions are used for:

respiratory diseases;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
rheumatism;
diseases of the lungs and kidneys.

Larch buds are often used in combination with other medicinal plants, being part of the so-called "breast fees".

The larch sponge is rightfully considered a long-liver, since its age can reach 70 years. But "adult" specimens are not used in traditional medicine, as they are overgrown with a fairly thick woody shell, moreover chemical composition the inside of the fungus undergoes changes over time.

A round-shaped mushroom, the weight of which can be both 30 and 50 kg, has a strong shell, inside which contains a whitish pulp used for medicinal purposes.

A sponge is collected in spring, early summer or autumn, cut down with an ax or knocked off a tree with a stick. The collected raw materials are dried in warm and well-ventilated rooms (ovens can be used).

The use of larch sponge

Larch sponge is used in the treatment of:

the debilitating sweating that tuberculosis patients often suffer from;
infectious diseases;
kidney diseases;
neuralgia;
violations of the functions of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder;
bronchitis;
colds;
ulcers;
asthma;
hemoptysis;
festering wounds.

The action of the larch sponge:

elimination of temperature;
easier breathing;
increase the body's defenses;
stimulation of the central nervous system;
increased estrogen activity;
improved metabolism;
restoration of the activity of enzyme systems;
regulation of the activity of the cardiovascular system;
removal of inflammation;
increased activity of anticancer drugs;
tumor growth retardation.

Larch Slimming Sponge

lanofil

In addition, larch sponge contributes to weight lossbecause it contains special resinous substances that have a pronounced irritating effect directly on the intestinal mucosa. Simply put, the mushroom acts on the principle of the strongest laxative.

Important! This method of losing weight should be treated with extreme caution, because valuable vitamins, nutrients and minerals will be removed from the body with liquid stools, which can lead to dysbacteriosis. In addition, a sharp loss of fluid can provoke disturbances in the work of many organs and body systems. Therefore, if a decision is made to resort to the help of a larch sponge, it is necessary:

consult a doctor first;
do not exceed the prescribed dosage;
carefully monitor the reaction of the body to the larch sponge.

Agaricus tincture

Contraindications to the use of larch chaga

bowel disease;
Pathology of the liver;
Individual intolerance;
Pregnancy;
lactation period;
Children, adolescents, and the elderly.

Side effects

General weakness;
Diarrhea.

Resin (resin) of larch

Hardened secretions (sometimes with remnants of bark or wood) are collected and boiled, for which the raw material is placed in bags of any loose fabric, after which it is immersed in a container of water (a load is first suspended from the bag, which prevents it from floating up). In the process of heating, the resin melts, floating to the surface, while mechanical impurities remain in the paper bag at the very bottom. After the boiler has cooled, the resin that has hardened and floated to the surface is removed from the tank, rolled into briquettes, formed into sticks or pieces of any other shape.

The resin of this tree consists of an essential oil and rosin (a hard resin), almost entirely composed of abietic acid.

Even Kamchadals, Evenks and Mansi used larch resin to improve digestion, quench thirst and cleanse the mouth.

Today, larch resin as an external irritant and distraction is indicated for such diseases:

gout;
neuralgia.

Ointments based on larch resin, which has an antimicrobial effect, is used for:

inflammation of the respiratory tract;

In the treatment of cough, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and other lung diseases, the resin is recommended for inhalation.

Larch resin helps to restore the composition of tooth enamel, strengthen gums and tooth roots. Such "chewing gum" will protect teeth from bacteria that cause the development of periodontal disease and caries.

In case of inflammation of the gums and acute toothache, larch resin in the form of a plate is applied to a diseased tooth or gum. The pain goes away in 3-5 minutes.

Larch resin in the form of chewing gum is indicated for gastritis, duodenitis and other diseases of the digestive tract.

Important! It has been proven that larch resin protects the human body from the negative effects of smog for up to four hours, exhaust gases, vapors of paint and varnish products, gasoline and tobacco smoke. To do this, it is enough to chew the resin for 15 minutes. To date, there is no such analogue of individual protection against the listed factors in traditional medicine!

Siberian larch gum

Beneficial features

Anti-inflammatory;
antimicrobial;
astringent;
wound healing;
enveloping;
antiscorbutic;
painkiller;
restorative;
antioxidant;
capillary protective;
immunomodulatory;
oncoprotective.

The use of larch gum

Gum action:

Activation of digestive reflexes.
Neutralization of pyogenic flora, namely golden and silver staphylococci.
Binding and removal of excess free radicals from the blood, which prevents premature aging and prevents the formation of neoplasms.

In case of peptic ulcer in the morning on an empty stomach (preferably one hour before a meal), it is recommended to drink 10 g of gum, previously diluted in 50 ml of water.
The subsequent intake is carried out in the same dosage four hours after the last meal.

The use of larch in medicine

Decoction

Infusion

150 g of pine needles are crushed and poured into three glasses cold water, then 10 g of dilute hydrochloric acid is added to the product, after which the mixture is placed for three days in a cool place for infusion. Strained infusion is drunk 200 ml per day.

Tincture

Pour 50 g of fresh Siberian larch needles with 250 ml of vodka and leave for 20 days. The filtered tincture is drunk 20 drops three times a day (the tincture is diluted in 100 ml of water).

Extract (extract)

Larch extract, sold in pharmacies, is taken in accordance with the attached instructions.

Essential oil

It is also used in the form of inhalations for diseases such as bronchitis, bronchiectasis, abscess, gangrene of the lungs and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

When taken internally, one should take into account the fact that the essential oil has an irritating effect on the kidneys and urinary tract.

With toothache, Venetian turpentine is used in the form of compresses that are applied to areas of the skin of the face located opposite the diseased tooth.

Contraindications to the use of larch

individual intolerance;
ulcer of the intestine and stomach;
post-stroke and post-infarction conditions;
severe pathologies of the central nervous system;
lactation period.

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

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