There are plants that retain their green foliage yearround. Such are, for example, the coniferous parts of the gymnosperms. This class of plants includes many species, including one very beautiful representative a balsamic fir from the family of pine.
Description of balsamic fir
The fir of this species is a rather high woody plant. On average, its height is 12-20 m, but there are trees reaching a height of 27 m. The annual increase is from 10 to 15 cm. The life expectancy of fir under favorable conditions of the Wild environment can reach up to 150-200 years.
The crown of the correct coneshaped shape covers the whole tree to the very ground so that the trunk is not visible. The barrel bark is smooth to the touch and has a brown-gray color. The fir has a surface root system, which is why it can easily be pulled out of the ground during a strong wind.
Tags of firing dark green, shiny from above and lighter from below. Needles are not very sharp, their average length is about 25 mm. On the branches, oval-pulled gray-brown cones are formed, which distinguish a lot of resins. Their length is from 5 to 10 cm, and the diameter is up to 2.5 cm. Young cones have a dark purple hue and grow up. They completely ripen and scatter the seeds in October. 5-8 mm seeds are brown.
Habitat
Balsamic fir is common in North America, mainly in the USA and Canada, where it is used for forestry purposes. Grows in temperate latitudes, preferring a wet continental climate, as well as close to sea. The plant is very thermophilic, although quite frostresistant. Far in the north cannot be found, the coldest breadth of the fir is located at the level of the Canadian province of Albert. The areas of permafrost is also not favorable for the growth of this plant. The vast part of the coniferous and broadleaved forests of the southern taiga of the North American continent. It is found in the zone of forest-tundra of the second largest Labrador Peninsula in the world, since the local climate there is much softer than on the rest of the northeastern part of North America.
Specially bred decorative varieties of balsamic fir are adapted for growth on other continents and are common around the world.
Characteristics of culture
The fir of this species prefers loamy wet and welldrained soils. It can grow on soils that contain sand and peat, but the growth rate in such conditions is sharply slowed down. The plant will have small sizes. The fir tolerates the shadow well, while it develops best in areas open for light.
Balsamic fir is very sensitive to aaned or smoky environment, so it grows poorly in the city. Feels best in warmth, while tolerates negative temperatures perfectly, even frosty winter.
Planting and care
Fir reproduction is possible, both seeds and cuttings. The first method of growing is possible in the autumn or spring period. When breeding cuttings, it is necessary to wait for the roots to appear (approximately 8 or 9 months). Upon reaching the age of one year, cuttings are planted in the soil.
The most common is the second method. The planting of seedlings is carried out in the spring (the plant takes root better during this period, although autumn landing is also possible). Young trees, unlike adults and stronger, grow very slowly, so seedlings are grown for a long time for better use (about 5-10 years). Choose for planting you need to calm areas. The soil should be prepared in a certain way.
Planting scheme in predug holes with a size of 0.5 x 0.5 m:
The fir is planted mainly solitary (tapeworms) or in small groups. Trees cannot be planted very close to each other, since the balsamic fir has a surface root system, which tends to grow in breadth. It is necessary to maintain a distance of about 3 meters.
Fir is a rather unpretentious plant, which is quite unrelenting in time and the forces of care. But to care for the plant is still necessary. Fir requires regular watering and sprinkling crown. Crown trimming is not needed, its shape is formed naturally.
Balsamic fir cones
Balsamic fir is valued for the appearance, so it can often be found in alleys, parks, on lawns near buildings and gardens. In addition to aesthetic, it also has healing properties. Her oil is very valuable and used in herbal medicine.
