Dendrologists divide all tree species intotwo large groups: deciduous and coniferous trees. And, as a rule, it is quite easy to classify one or another species to one of these groups. The exception to this rule is only larch. Is it a deciduous or coniferous tree? Let's try to understand this question.
Larch: coniferous or deciduous tree?
Lárix - this is how the name of this wonder tree sounds in Latin. Why do many people ask the question: "Is larch a deciduous or coniferous tree?" And how correctly to answer it?
The thing is that this tree though has needles,However, for the winter it throws off its needles just like the representatives of hardwoods do. This is the moment that drives many people to a standstill. And not everyone with confidence can answer the question "larch is a deciduous or coniferous tree".
In fact, this beauty botanists are referred to the family of pine, and, thus, it is a coniferous breed. And one of the most common on the planet.
Larch: botanical description of the plant
So, we found out that larch is a coniferous tree. Features of this plant, as well as its distribution on the Earth, we will consider below.
The average height of this tree is not more than 50 meters (with a trunk diameter of not more than 1 meter). Larchs live on average up to 300 years, although individual specimens surviving up to 800 years are recorded.
The peculiarity of this plant is conical (as in many conifers), but very loose (translucent) crown. In those places where the wind rose is unidirectional, the crown may have a flag-shaped form.
The main feature of this coniferous breed isits needles. It is annual and very soft, like for coniferous trees. To touch the needles of larch is quite pleasant. Every autumn the tree sheds its needles, and in the spring new, fresh, green needles grow on its branches.
Larchs have a sufficiently developed and powerfulroot system, which allows them to settle on steep hillside slopes, where strong winds blow throughout the year. In some cases, for greater stability, even the lower branches of the earth take root.
Larch is a very light-loving tree,therefore, it chooses the proper areas for itself: open and unencumbered. If the conditions of growth are favorable, then the plant is able to reach the sun with an amazing speed: up to one meter per year!
Larch is very resistant to low temperatureair. Not frightening to her and sharp frosts. It is undemanding for this tree and for the ground. So, larch can grow both on dry soil of a mountain slope, and on a wetland of marshy lowland. However, if the soil conditions are too unfavorable, the tree will grow very stunted and not high.
Geographic distribution of the plant
Larch is one of the most commontree species on the planet, numbering up to 15 different species. Very often these trees form vast and light forests. Huge areas are occupied by larch forests in Siberia, as well as in the Far East.
Larch European is often calledtree-longevity. She easily lives to the age of several hundred years. On the territory of Russia, there are three species of larch: Russian, Siberian and Dahurian. The latter can easily be distinguished by brilliant silvery kidneys. In the Transbaikal grow whole forests of Dahurian larch.
In North America, larch is widespread, both Western and American. In the US, the wood of these species is actively used in construction and industry.
Application of larch by man
The wood of this tree has long been usedman. It is strong, resilient, resinous. Plus, it is very resistant to decay. In the hardness of the larch fabric is inferior only to the oak.
The wood of this plant is actively used in construction, in industry, in the construction of underwater or underwater structures. It also produces turpentine.
The plant is also used in folk medicine.So, the needles of larch are a huge source of ascorbic acid. Therefore, fresh needles (or infusion of them) - this is an excellent preventive against scurvy. In addition, baths from the needles of this tree are recommended for people suffering from joint diseases. Larch resin is also made by terpentine - a very effective remedy for rheumatism and gout.
Finally...
Is larch a deciduous or coniferous tree? After reading our article, you will forever remember the answer to this question.
Larch - a tree not only beautiful, but alsovery useful. The wood of this unique plant is very strong and resistant to decay, therefore it is widely used in the construction industry. And a few centuries earlier it was made of the strongest and most reliable ships.
