Black spruce photo and description where it grows, the use of black spruce

Black spruce evergreen tree of the family of pine. Features of this species are thick, fluffy needles and crown even, beautiful shape. The cones of spruce, as they ripen, acquire an unusual purple-black color, which is due to the name of the plant.

Description

Depending on the growth zone, the adult tree reaches a height of up to 20 meters, the diameter of the barrel is up to 50 cm. The crown spruce has a conical shape. The needles of the tree are very thin, not more than 0.8 mm thick, greenish-blue color. Eat cones are ovoid, small, not more than 2.5 cm wide and 3 cm in length.  Scales on lumps of wavy shape, with characteristic strokes in the middle. The bark is also thin, brown, with a grayish tint. Spruce is very beautiful, thick blue needles gives the tree fluffy. Black spruce unpretentious, winterhardy, moistureloving plant. The tree grows well in a swampy area, not demanding on soils and climatic conditions. The spruce needs a good watering in a drought.

Where it grows

This species comes from North America, the natural area of ​​growth from Alaska in the north to Minnesota and Michigan in the south. In the Old World, the plant was imported in the middle of the 18th century and quickly took root in Europe. Black spruce is widespread in areas with permafrost and sphagnum swamps. The tree grows for the most part in the taiga, less often found in mixed forests.

In Eurasia, spruce is rare, mainly in the forest zone. Even in favorable conditions, the tree grows very slowly. The age of the plant reaches 350-400 years.

Decorative varieties

Since the beginning of the 20th century, this plant has been actively cultivated, to date, several decorative varieties are most popular.

Application

Soft and light wood of black spruce is highly appreciated in pulp and paper production. This type of spruce is used in landscape construction, slightly second only to Canadian spruce. In the culture of Eurasia, this tree is not yet known. In our country, black spruce is used for collection purposes.

The healing properties of this plant are known. Elive oil is obtained from branches and needles, which has a comprehensive effect:

The components of the plant contain antioxidants that can absorb free radicals, which helps the body fight different ailments diseases of the respiratory system, arthrosis, arthritis, sinusitis, chronic fatigue, spasms in the muscles, and blood circulation disorders.