/ / What is the difference between spruce and pine? Description of trees, species and varieties

What is the difference between spruce and pine? Description of trees, species and varieties

Coniferous trees grow almost everywhereincluding both warm and cold regions. In some areas, the representatives of this family prevail over other plant species. The most famous of them are fir, spruce, pine, cedar, juniper, cypress, larch, yew and redwood. These are mainly tall trees, but there are dwarfs and their representatives, and shrubs. In our latitudes, conifers are widespread, but not everyone knows, for example, what distinguishes spruce from pine.

Features of these trees

Всех представителей голосеменных растений combines breeding method with 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 instead of having leaves, they have needles. This is an adaptive function developed during adaptation to cold conditions of existence. Coniferous trees have the shape of a cone, often grow very high, and their needles do not shed their winter. These are common features of all representatives of this species.

A very important quality is also the compositionwood, which is enriched with important components such as ethers, resins and trace elements, which give these trees a special value. It is used in the manufacture of various types of products, ranging from clothing and paper products to high-class furniture, for the production of which the best representatives of the forest are selected.

what is the difference between spruce and pine

Spruce and Pine

These are the most common representatives.gymnosperms. Existing peacefully in the coniferous kingdom, the trees of spruce and pine have a fragrant aroma and elegant form, standing out against the general background. It is these conifers that are found in every city, in forests, used as raw materials for the manufacture of paper, furniture, for construction. Many poems and songs are devoted to them, in all countries there is a custom to put down a Christmas tree for the New Year. The needles and resin of these trees are also used in medicine and cosmetology.

pine height

Spruce: short description

This is a very beautiful pyramidal coniferforms. In the first 15 years, the spruce tree is considered a young tree and has a simple root structure. Then, in the process of development, it becomes more branched and the main root dies off as unnecessary. An identical situation occurs on the surface, for a long time the tree grows exclusively upwards, not giving side processes.

The trunk covers scaly layering of gray bark.The cut has a spruce of light color with a slight golden hue, practically does not emit resin, the structure is homogeneous. The shape of the needles of spruce differs cone-shaped structure. A complete renewal of the 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 canunderstand the difference between spruce and pine. On closer examination, we can note the cylindrical shape and a small pointedness. The peculiarity of spruce cones is also the fact that they hang down.

dwarf pine

Types of firs

For a more detailed consideration of the featuresthese trees are 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 instances not higher than 25-30 meters with a trunk diameter of 1.5 meters. The needles of spruce initially take a conical shape, then, expanding, become cylindrical. The length of the needles does not exceed 3 cm, and cones of blue spruce in length can grow up to 11 cm, taking shades from reddish to purple.

Glen El tree is an original tree with an unsophisticatedcrown. It reaches a height of about 30 m, while the diameter of the trunk varies from 60-80 cm. The Japanese, Kuril Islands, as well as some regions of Sakhalin are the main growing areas of this interesting species. Looking at this tree, you can accurately understand the difference between spruce and pine. This is mainly the shape of the needles and the length of the needles, not exceeding 3 cm. To this can be added the structure of the bark and wood.

spruce and pine trees

Pine: a brief description

Pine is a centuries-old tree and its agemay range from 100 to 600 years. There are subspecies of this plant as shrubs, trees or elfin. At present, only a few specimens are known who have lived to the level of 500 years. The height of the pine can reach 75 meters, and its base - a width of 4 meters. Preferring the average humidity of the air, this tree in the marshland does not exceed 1 meter.

Pine grows in open areasterrain, as is light-loving plant. Here, the height of the pine can reach a maximum - 50-75 meters, and the variety of forms and sizes of pine cones affects unpredictable curves.

shape of spruce needles

What are the pines

This family includes several differentspecies. For example, consider pine ordinary. The main places where the tree perfectly got accustomed, became European and Asian territories. The length of the needles can reach 10-15 cm. Century-old trees are distinguished by sprawling branches, high strength and resinous. 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 orange-red bark, which coarsens quickly and easily. The main growth of the tree occurs in the first century of his life.

Dwarf pine is used ashome gardens decoration. It is perfectly acclimatized in a small area, it is easily processed and does not leave garbage. Moreover, 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 sorts of colors. Dwarf pine is an unpretentious plant, but for planting it is necessary to use seedlings from 3 to 7 years old. You can eliminate additional watering, as trees are able to get all the necessary moisture independently from the environment. An exception may be the most arid regions.

blue spruce

What is the difference between spruce and pine

These two trees have become so familiar tomodern man, that many do not even think about which of them grows under their windows. And on the New Year's holiday, dressing up the prickly beauty, everyone calls her "Christmas tree". But after a detailed study of the facts, one can understand how the spruce differs from the pine.

  • Во-первых, структура древесины сосны позволяет use it as an excellent raw material for the woodworking industry. While the spruce is used only for the production of low-quality paper and lumber.
  • Secondly, if you take a closer look 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 fir-trees are always lowered down, covering the trunk, as opposed to it, the branches of the pine, like candles, are directed upwards. On the spruce branches are located evenly throughout the trunk from top to bottom. The 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 kept on the surface. The rhizome of spruce 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.