Coniferous Trees: Majestic Evergreens that Define Our Ecosystems

Cedar Tree of Lebanon

admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 09:38:06 +0000

The cedar of Lebanon, also known as Lebanon cedar, is a species of tall coniferous trees characterized by large, irregularly shaped heads with spreading branches. It belongs to the Cedrus genus of the Pinaceae family. This cedar species typically grows in the mountainous regions of the Eastern Mediterranean. In Middle Eastern culture, it has great historical and religious significance and has been cited several times in ancient literature.

Cedar Tree of Lebanon

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
*Clade*	Tracheophytes
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Cedrus
Scientific Name	Cedrus libani

Cedars of Lebanon

Lebanon Cedar

Quick Information

Tree Type	Evergreen coniferous
Identification	Height: Can grow up to 100-130 ft Leaves: Needle-like, spirally-arranged, about 5-35 mm long, and 1-1.5 mm wide Trunk Diameter: 6 ft – 8 ft 2 in Bark: Rough, scaly, dark gray-blackish brown, has horizontal fissures, stripping in small chips Cones: Males are solitary, erect, 4-5 cm long, pale green to light brown; female woody cones are scaly, resinous, barrel-shaped, gray-brown, 8-12 cm long Seeds: Ovoid, 4-6 mm wide, 10-14 mm long, have wedge-shaped wings Branches: Large, erect Crown: Conical when young, broadly flat when matured
Distribution	Eastern Mediterranean regions including western Syria, Lebanon, and south-central Turkey
Habitat	Grows on rocky slopes and ridges, in pure or mixed forests at altitudes of 500-3,000 m
USDA Hardiness Zone	5b through 10a
Growth Rate	Relatively slow, growing at a rate of 12-15 inches per year
Lifespan	Long-lived, can live for more than 1,000 years
Growing Conditions	Sunlight: Grows in full sun (about six hours of constant sunlight each day) Soil: Light sandy, heavy clay, medium loamy, well-drained, dry to moist Water: Average rainfall, about 40 inches per year
Drought Tolerance	Moderate to high
Diseases & Pests	Susceptible to fungal diseases like botrytis bunch rot and Armillaria root rot (caused by a honey fungus); some common pests include the Lebanese cedar shoot moth
Reproductive System	Monoecious, which means flowers are either female or male but both sexes are found on the same tree
Propagation	Through seeds, stem cuttings
Wildlife Value	Provides habitat for different invertebrate species, the crevices within the branches and trunks offer nesting places for birds like the tawny owl and roosting sites for bats
Uses	Wood from Lebanon cedar is used for construction, handicrafts, and furniture; resins and essential oils, extracted from the wood, leaves, and cones, are used for producing antiseptic ointments and cough medicines; planted as ornamental trees in gardens and parks
IUCN Conservation Status	Since its population has been decreasing, it is considered a ‘Vulnerable’ species

Cedar of Lebanon Bonsai

Cedar of Lebanon Cones

Cedar Trees of Lebanon Pictures

Cedars of Lebanon Photos

Interesting Facts

The Lebanon cedar has been conferred the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticulture Society in 2017.
It appears as the national emblem on the coat of arms and the flag of Lebanon.
An exceptional Lebanon cedar specimen recognized by the US state of Arkansas, located inside the Hot Springs National Park, is more than 100 years old.
For increasing the population of Lebanon cedars, the Lebanese authorities have created many reserves, including the Cedars of God, which is an old-growth forest in Bsharri.

Cedar Tree Lebanon

Cedars of Lebanon Seeds

References

The post Cedar Tree of Lebanon appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Eastern Red Cedar

admin — Sat, 30 May 2020 13:15:01 +0000

Eastern red cedar, commonly called the red cedar, eastern juniper, pencil cedar, and red juniper, is a species of dense, slow-growing conifers that belong to the genus Juniperus of the family Cupressaceae. Known for its graceful appearance and being incredibly strong for its small to medium size, the red cedar is found in the eastern and northern states of America. The two varieties of eastern red cedar include Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana or eastern juniper (distinguished by larger cones, acute scale leaves at the apex, and reddish brown bark) and Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola or southern juniper (characterized by smaller cones, blunt scale leaves at the apex, and orange-brown bark).

Eastern Red Cedar

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
*Clade*	Tracheophytes
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Cupressaceae
Genus	Juniperus
Section	Juniperus sect. Sabina
Scientific Name	Juniperus virginiana

Eastern Red Cedar Tree

Eastern Red Cedar Leaf

Quick Information

Tree Type	Evergreen coniferous
Identification	Height: 16-66 ft on average, rarely grows up to 89-90 ft Leaves: Sharp, needle-like juvenile leaves, about 5-10 mm long, andscale-like, tightly pressed adult leaves, about 2-4 mm long Trunk Diameter: 12-39 inches on average, but some specimens can measure up to 67 inches Bark: Reddish-brown, fibrous, peels off in thin strips Cones: Males are 2-3 mm long, 1.5 mm broad; females are dark purple-blue, berry-like, 3-7 mm long Seeds: Wingless Branches: Drooping Crown: Dense, pyramid shaped
Distribution	Canada and the eastern United States; from Nova Scotia to Ontario,across the northern Great Plains through eastern Texas, northern Florida and then to the Atlantic coast
Habitat	Rocky ridgetops, dry uplands, abandoned farmlands, prairies, grasslands, low mountains, Piedmont regions
USDA Hardiness Zone	2 to 9
Growth Rate	Slow to medium rate, height increases at the rate of 13-24 inches annually
Lifespan	Typically 100-300 years, but the oldest red cedar lived for 940 years
Growing Conditions	Sunlight: Requires full sun; should get a minimum six hours of unfiltered, direct sunlight Soil: Alkaline, acidic, loamy, sandy, moist, well-drained, clay Water: Moderate rainfall, can withstand sporadic flooding
Drought Tolerance	Excellent
Diseases & Pests	Diseases include twig and tip blight, cedar-apple rust, and Phytophthora root rot; some common pests are spruce spider mites, juniperscales, and bagworms
Reproductive System	Usually dioecious, which means seed and pollen cones appear on separate trees
Propagation	Through stem cuttings
Wildlife Value	Its foliage provides roosting and nesting site for robins, sparrows, juncos, warblers, and mockingbirds; the twigs and foliage serve as food source for browsers and the fruits are eaten by cedar waxwings
Uses	The fine-grained, fragrant heartwood is used for building fence posts, it is in great demand for making closets and chests, ideal for making flatbows, longbows, and sinew-backed bows, juniper essential oil is obtained from the twigs, leaves, and wood, its cones are used a a flavoring agent in gin, it is used as a Christmas tree in the Oklahoma, Arkansas Ozarks, and Missouri
IUCN Conservation Status	Its population has been increasing and the species is listed as ‘LeastConcern’

Eastern Red Cedar Juniper

Eastern Red Cedar Bonsai

Interesting Facts

In several places, the eastern red cedar is regarded as an invasive species. Since it does not tolerate fire, it was earlier controlled by occasional forest fires.
The red cedar originated during the ancient era when aboriginal Americans existed. Fossil evidence has shown that it occurred in large parts of the continent.
The pollen of eastern red cedar is an allergen, but less potent than that of Ashe juniper. Contact with the red cedar’s wood or leaves can cause mild skin irritations in some people.

Eastern Red Cedar Berries

Eastern Red Cedar Bark

References

The post Eastern Red Cedar appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Norway Spruce

Sahana Kanjilal — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 12:23:39 +0000

The Norway spruce is a beautiful ornamental tree species. The pyramid-shape makes it as a viable choice for Christmas trees. It is also a popular selection for bonsai.

Norway Spruce

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Picea
Scientific Name	Picea abies

Dwarf Norway Spruce

Weeping Norway Spruce

Quick Information

Other Names	European spruce
Tree Type	Coniferous evergreen
Identification	Height: 115-180 ft (35-55 m) Leaves: Dark green, needle-like leaves and tips are flat, sizing 0.47-0.94 in (12-24 mm) Trunk Diameter: 39-59 in (1-1.5 m) Bark: Up and down lines throughout the brown bark Cones: Either blunt or sharp triangular-shaped scale tips sizing 3.5-6.6 in (88.9-167.6 mm). Initially they are red or green turning to brown post pollination Seeds: Black in color sizing 0.15-0.19 in (4-5 mm) Branches: Branches are swooping and branchlets have a drooping shape Crown: The crown gradually becomes thinner when the tree ages
Distribution	Throughout Europe
Habitat	Coniferous forest
Hardiness Zone	2-7
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	Around 300 years
Growing Condition	Sunlight: Full sun required Soil: Slightly alkaline, wet at times, well-drained, loam, and clay Water: during the dry weather it needs water
Drought Tolerance	Moderate
Diseases & Pests	Cytospora canker, needle cast, and rust diseases, mites, eastern Spruce gall adelgid, Cooley’s Spruce gall adelgid, bagworms, spruce budworm larvae, sawfly larvae,
Reproductive System	Monoecious
Propagation	Through pollens
Wildlife Value	Cone scales are consumed by caterpillars, and barks are fed by moths
Cultivars	1. Acrocona 2. Clanbrassiliana 3. Inversa 4. Little Gem 5. Nidiformis 6. Gregoryana 7. Dumosa 8. Decumbens 9. Capitata 10. Barrya 11. Microsperma 12. Pendula or weeping Norway spruce 13. Virgata 14. Maxwellii 15. Tabuliformis 16. Repens 17. Ohlendorffii
Uses	Used for paper and timber production, making the vitamin C enriched spruce beer, constructing musical instruments. In the traditional Austrian medical science, the shoot tip of the tree could be either consumed as a healing beverage or used as an ointment, inhaler, bathing lotion for treating gastrointestinal tracts, infections, respiratory and skin problems
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Norway Spruce Seedlings

Norway Spruce Bonsai

Norway Spruce Picture

Norway Spruce Cones

Interesting Facts

Its scientific name ‘abies’ means ‘fir-like’ in Latin.
Old Tjikko, a clone of Norway spruce is believed to be 9, 550 years old, being the oldest living tree in the world.
The number of the tree’s synonym crosses 150.
Siberian spruce is known to be its subspecies but scientists are researching about it as the two trees are extremely similar.

Norway Spruce Needles

Norway Spruce Tree

References

The post Norway Spruce appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

California Redwood

Sahana Kanjilal — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 08:56:03 +0000

The California redwood is known for its longevity and height. Just like its name, the tree is although not exclusive to the place, but mostly found in that region.

California Redwood

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Cupressaceae
Genus	Sequoia
Species	Sequoia sempervirens

Coast Redwood Tree

Coast Redwood

Quick Information

Other Names	Coastal redwood, coast redwood
Tree Type	Evergreen
Identification	Height: Around 379 ft (115 m) Leaves: Old trees have leaves sizing 0.19-0.39 in (5-10 mm) while young trees have flat and long leaves measuring 0.59–0.98 in (15-25 mm) Trunk Diameter: 30 ft (9.1 m) Cones: 0.07-0.19 in (2-5 mm) Bark: Fibrous and soft, colored red or brownish red, sizing around 1 ft(0.30 m) Branches: Drooping Crown: Pyramid-shaped crown with moderate density
Distribution	California, Oregon, and other parts in the pacific coast of North America
Habitat	98–2,460 ft off sea level, mountains, and valleys
Hardiness Zone	7-9
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	500-700 years
Growing Conditions	Soil: Moist, alkaline to acidic soil Sun: Full sunlight to partial shade Water: The tree needs regular irrigation
Drought Tolerance	Moderate
Diseases & Pests	Nothing has been of much concern
Reproductive System	Monoecious
Propagation	Vegetative
Wildlife Value	Flying squirrels use the bark for nesting, the northern spotted owls and Pacific fishers use tree cavities for nesting. Bald eagles, Vaux’s swift, marbled murrelet, great blue heron, and winter wren, Pacific –slope flycatcher, brown creepers, and other small mammals find food in the redwood forests.
Uses	The lumber is decay-resistant, light, and beautiful, hence used for trestles, house beams, and railroad ties
IUCN Conservation Status	Endangered

Coastal Redwood

Redwood Coast

Interesting Facts

The world’s tallest living tree is a Californian Redwood, named Hyperion and the height is 380.1 ft.
This is one of the state trees of the American state, California.
This species is the only one belonging to the genus Sequoia.

References

The post California Redwood appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Foxtail Pine

Sahana Kanjilal — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 08:01:14 +0000

The foxtail pine, found in the Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia National Park along with the subalpine zones, is a tree with great longevity. This is not a commercial plant and are not harvested commonly.

Foxtail Pine

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Pinus
Subgenus	P. subg. Strobus
Section	P. sect. Parrya
Subsection	P. subsect. Balfourianae
Scientific Name	Pinus balfouriana

Foxtail Pine Tree

Foxtail Pine Cone

Quick Information

Identification	Height: 30-70 ft (10-20 m) Needles: Commonly clustered in bundles of 5 sizing 0.7-1.5 in (2-4 cm) Trunk Diameter: Around 7 ft (2 m) Cones : Long cones coloring dark purple to red 2.3 -4.3 in (6-11 cm) Bark: Asymmetrically patched grayish salmon or rather cinnamon Branches: Twisted Twigs: Reddish brown at a young state and transforming into grayish yellow Buds: Reddish brown
Tree Type	Evergreen pine
Subspecies	1. Pinus balfouriana austrina or southern foxtail pine 2. Pinus balfouriana balfouriana or northern foxtail pine
Distribution/Range	Sierra Nevada, California
Habitat	At elevations of 6,400–9,020 ft (in Klamath Mountains, and 7,500–11,500 (Sierra Nevada),
Hardiness Zone	5
Growth Rate	Extremely slow
Lifespan	1000-2100, but can live up to 3000 years
Growing Conditions	Sun: Both sunlight and partial shades Soil Requirements: Serpentine soil, deep soil, and rocky soils Water: Very little water
Diseases and Pests	Mountain pine beetles and white pine blister rust
Reproductive System	Through pollination
Seedling Development	Happens throughout wet and mild winters
IUCN Conservation Status	Near Threatened

Foxtail Pine Picture

Foxtail Pine Tree Image

Interesting Fact

The species has been crossed with Great Basin Bristlecone Pine.

References

The post Foxtail Pine appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Blue Spruce

Sahana Kanjilal — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 09:02:58 +0000

The blue spruce is an extremely resilient species that can withstand massive temperature changes, air pollution, and draught. They belong to the pine family.

Blue Spruce

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Picea
Scientific Name	Picea pungens

Blue Spruce Tree

Colorado Blue Spruce

Quick Information

Other Names	Colorado blue spruce, Colorado spruce, and green spruce, water spruce
Tree Type	Evergreen conifer
Identification	Height: Around 50-75 ft (15.24-22.8 m) sometimes as tall as 150 ft (45.7 m) Needles: Bluish green pointed needles sizing around 1 in (3 cm) Trunk Diameter: Around 5 ft (1.5 m) Cones: Pale brown in color with an approximate length of 4 in (10.16 cm) Bark: Scaly and grey Branches: Yellowish-brown
Distribution/Range	Southern and central Rocky Mountains including Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, and Idaho
Habitat	Humid canyon bottoms, steep mountain ranges of fir and spruce woods, mid-montane forests at elevations of 5,905-9,842 ft
Hardiness Zones	3-7
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	150-600 years
Growing Conditions	Soil Requirements: Mineral and moisture enriched soil Light Requirements: Balanced exposure to sun and shade
Diseases & Pests	Diseases: Fungi-caused cankers or plant disease and needle casting ailments Pests: Pineapple gall adelgid, nymphs, spruce budworm, pine needle scales, spruce beetles
Reproductive System	Monoecious
Propagation	By seeds
Seedling Development	Germination happens during the spring season or early summer
Wildlife Value	Provides food for grouse birds and finches while serves as an excellent spot for roosting, nesting and winter shelter
Cultivars	Baby Blue Baby Blue Eyes Hoopsii Glauca Pendula Koster Glauca Globosa Glauca Jean’s Dilly Fat Albert Some of these cultivars are known as dwarf blue spruce
Uses	Medicinal Purpose: Two Native American tribes, Keres and Navajo use an infusion of the blue spruce needles for curing colds, stomach problems, and rheumatic pains Ceremonial Purpose: The tribal people also use the twigs of the tree as a good luck charm to give people For Christmas decorations, this tree is also a common choice for people
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Blue Spruce Seedling

Blue Spruce Bonsai

Interesting Facts

Blue spruce happens to be the state tree of two states, Colorado and Utah.
Its latin name ‘pungens’ means sharp and pointy, referring to the needle shape of the blue spruce.
Sometimes, these trees have a powdery and waxy layer that is responsible for the bluish tone of the needles. The color is susceptible to decaying due to pest attack.
Usually the tree grows around 12 inches in a year, but in an optimum condition it can grow up to 2 ft in a single year.

Dwarf Blue Spruce

Weeping Blue Spruce

References

The post Blue Spruce appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Western White Pine

Sahana Kanjilal — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 12:32:50 +0000

The western white pine is an ornamental species of tree that is blessed with an incredible endurance capacity. The beautiful coniferous tree has an open crown.

Western White Pine

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Pinus
Subgenus	P. subg. Strobus
Section	P. sect. Quinquefoliae
Subsection	P. subsect. Strobus
Scientific Name	Pinus monticola

Western White Pine Bark

Western White Pine Cone

Western White Pine Picture

Western White Pine

Quick Information

Also Known as	California mountain pine, silver pine, Idaho pine
Tree Type	Pine
Identification	Size: 98-165 ft ( 29.8-50.2 ft) sometimes reaching up to 230 ft (70.1 ft) Trunk Diameter: 5-8 ft (1.5-2.4 m) Needles: Saw-like bluish-green needles sizing 2-5 in (5-13 cm) Cones: Slender and long cones sizing 4.7-12.5 in (11.9-31.7 cm); while closed cones are sizing 1.1-1.5 in (3-4 cm), open ones are 1.9-3.1 in (5-8 cm) Seeds: Brown seeds 0.1-0.2 in (0.4-0.7 cm) Twigs: Green and hairy and both lose by the second season Bark: Thin and smooth greenish-gray bark that changes to only gray and black at times with maturity Wood: Cream whitish to yellow
Distribution	Canada and United States (western)
Habitat	Moist valleys at low elevations
Hardiness Zone	4
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	400 years
Growing Conditions	Sun: It can withstand a wide range of conditions Soil: Sandy, rocky, dry, well-drained and nutrient-rich soil Water: It can thrive well in various water conditions
Drought Tolerant	Seeds have a low tolerance level
Disease & Pests	White pine blister rust-induced problems
Reproductive System	Vegetative reproduction
Propagation	Cuttings
Wildlife Value	The oily seeds are foods for nuthatches, jays, grosbeaks, crossbills, woodpeckers, squirrels and chipmunks. The wood and bark are useful for rodents and porcupines. Foliages are for deer and grouse. Large pines and needles are used for nesting and roosting
Uses	The soft and textured wood are used for window and door framesNative Americans used boiled bark to treat tuberculosis, stomach aches, sore and cuts
IUCN Conservation Status	Near Threatened

Western White Pine Monticola

Western White Pine Needles

Interesting Facts

The scientific name ‘Monticola’ is a Latin word meaning ‘inhabiting mountains’.
David Douglas, the famous botanist discovered and identified the species on Mount. St. Helens.

Western White Pine Bonsai

Image of Western White Pine

References

The post Western White Pine appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Tamarack

Sahana Kanjilal — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 12:26:18 +0000

Tamarack is a boreal larch tree belonging to the pine family. The medium to large tree has a beautiful coloration especially during the fall, when the foliage are about to shed.

Tamarack Tree

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Larix
Scientific Name	Larix laricina

Tamarack Tree Pictures

Tamarack Tree Photos

Tamarack Tree Seeds

Tamarack Tree Bark

Quick Information

Also Known as	Eastern larch, red larch, hackmatack, black larch, American larch
Tree Type	Coniferous and deciduous
Identification	Size: 33-66 ft in height (10-20 m) Trunk Diameter: 2 ft (0.6 cm) Needles: 1-1.1 in (2-3 cm) sea-green in color Bark: Pink, sometimes looks reddish Cones: 0.39- 0.098 in (1-2.5 cm) bright red in general and turns to brown while releasing the seeds
Distribution	Canada, northwestern U.S.A
Habitat	Conifer forest, Tundra
Hardiness Zone	2-5
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	200-300 years
Growing Conditions	Sun: Full exposure Water: Plenty of water (constant) Soil: moist organic soil (sphagnum), wet, swamps, coarse sand, heavy clay and calcareous soils
Drought Tolerant	No
Diseases & Pests	Diseases: Larch canker caused by Lachnellula willkommii fungus Pest: Sawfly, larch looper, Japanese beetle, tussock moth, woolly aphids and larch case-bearer
Reproductive System	Monoecious
Propagation	From cuttings
Seedling Development	Germinates well under the direct sunlight
Companion Plants	Labrador Tea, false Solomon’s-seal, sedges, and red twig dogwood
Wildlife Value	The seeds are food to red squirrels, while seedlings are common treat for snowshoe hares, the inner bark of the tree is fed by porcupines. Birds like song sparrow, white-throated sparrow, common yellowthroat, Nashville warbler, and veery use the tree for nesting
Uses	The wood is used for making snowhorse and other sturdy things like knee of a wooden boat, fuelwood, poles, posts, and pulpwood
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Tamarack Tree Cones

Tamarack Tree Leaves

Interesting Facts

The name of the tree is an Algonquian (a Native American language group) term means the wood used for snowshoes.
Although it grows well in the full exposure of light, the tree has a tremendous power to withstand cold temperatures down to -85°F.
The indigenous people of north Canada used the inner bark of the tree to heal hemorrhoids, frostbite, wounds, and cuts. The roots and outer bar were also used with a mixture of other tree parts as a remedy of pain, aches, and arthritis.

Dwarf Tamarack Tree

Tamarack Tree Needles

References:

The post Tamarack appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

European Larch

Sahana Kanjilal — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 12:24:08 +0000

European Larch is a shade intolerant species that is common throughout Carpathian Mountains and Alps. Presently, it is a sought after one for its beautiful appearance that enhances gardens and parks.

European Larch

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Larix
Scientific Name	Larix decidua

Weeping European Larch

European Larch Bonsai

European Larch Seeds

European Larch Cone

Quick Information

Also Known as	Common larch
Tree Type	Deciduous
Identification	Size: 82-148 ft (25-45 m)Trunk Diameter: 3.2 ft (1 m) Needles: 1-1.1 inch (2-4 cm) light green which changes into bright yellow before shedding Cones: 1-2.3 in (2-3 cm) green, red and color changing at times
Distribution	Central Europe
Habitat	Mountainous zones with an elevation of 1000-2400 meter
Subspecies	Larix decidua subsp. decidua Larix decidua subsp. polonica
Hardiness Zone	2-6
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	1000 years (in one case a tree has been reported to live as long as 2000 years)
Growing Conditions	Sun: Full exposure Water: Medium Soil: Well-drained soil, loamy and moist soil
Drought Tolerant	No
Disease & Pests	Disease: Larch canker Pests: Larch case-bearer
Reproductive System	Monoecious
Propagation	From seeds
Seedling Development	In full sun they germinate well
Wildlife Value	For forestation (since its growth rate is very fast), red squirrels eat seeds, black grouse eat immature cones and buds
Uses	Wood is used for building yacht, rusting fencing
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

European Larch Tree

European Larch Tree Pictures

Interesting Facts

Three generations bearing the title of Dukes of Atholl had planted the species to a mentionable extent. The fourth duke also encouraged the cultivation to go on and he even wrote a book named ‘Observations on Larch’ in 1807. Even there is a claim that a particular tree, planted by the second Duke of Atholl is still thriving.
According to the European folklore, burning and using the larch as a wear can protect an individual from evil attacks. This was a long-standing tool used for enchantment.

European Larch Needles

European Larch Tree Images

References:

The post European Larch appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Alligator Juniper

Sahana Kanjilal — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 09:22:19 +0000

The perennial species belonging to the Cupressaceae family is a coniferous tree. Bloomed throught January to March the tree has a triangle shape top with an interesting bark texture.

Alligator Juniper

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Cupressaceae
Genus	Juniperus
Scientific Name	Juniperus deppeana

Alligator Juniper Tree

Alligator Juniper Images

Quick Information

Other Names	Checkerbark Juniper, mountain, oak-barked or thickbark cedar, tláxcal or tlascal, western juniper, sabino, aworíki and agoriza
Types	Eergreen
Identification	Size:20-48 ft (6.1-15 m) of height sometimes 65 ft (20m) Bark: Dark grayish brown Needles: (leaves): Scale-like leaves, 1.5 mm in width and 2.5 mm in length Cones: Orange-brown berry-like cones with a whitish waxy coating, 5-15 mm in diameter, having 2-6 seeds
Distribution	Northern and Central Mexico and in some regions of the Southwestern USA
Habitat	Open and arid rocky slopes, woodland garden canopies, open oak lands
Hardiness Zones	7-9
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	40-150 years
Growing Conditions	Summer: Young trees require twice watering every week; dry and hot areas are conducive to the fastest growth Light: Sun Soil: Dry and well-drained, sandy loam, clay, rocky Water: Low requirement
Diseases & Pests	Cattle are the pest
Reproduction System	Dioecious
Propagation	Seeds
Seedling Development	2-3 years for germination
Uses	Fruits for edible purposes and woods for lumber
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Alligator Juniper Bonsai

Alligator Bark Juniper

Interesting Facts

Its square plates bark is similar to an alligator’s skin and hence it has got its name.
Although it has five varieties, (Juniperus deppeana var. deppeana, Juniperus deppeana var. pachyphlaea, Juniperus deppeana var. robusta, Juniperus deppeana var. sperryi, Juniperus deppeana var. zacatecensis) these variations are not accepted by all.

Photo Alligator Juniper

Big Alligator Juniper Tree

References

The post Alligator Juniper appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Hick’s Yew

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 04:59:59 +0000

The Hick’s yew is a cultivar of the Anglojap yew, is a hybrid yew plant believed to be created by T.D. Hatfield, a Massachusetts based horticulturist. It is the result of the hybridization of the English yew and the Japanese Yew.

Hick’s Yew

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Taxaceae
Genus	Taxus
Scientific Name	Taxus × media

Hicks Yew Pictures

Hicks Yew Pruning

Quick Information

Also known As	Anglojap
Tree Type	Evergreen
Identification	Size: 2-20ft in height Spread: 3-4 ft Bark: Brown with scales Needles: Green in color Cones: Berries instead of cones, red colored
Hardiness Zones	3-7
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	At least 20 years
Growing Conditions	Sun: Partial shade to full sun Water: Weekly; more frequently if heat is extreme Soil: Moist, sandy, loamy soils with good drainage
Diseases & Pests	Vulnerable to winter-burn; twig blight, needle blight; root rot in water-logged soils; scales, weevils, and mealybugs
Reproductive System	Dioecious
Propagation	By seeds and semi-ripe cuttings
Seedling Development	Should be plated in spring or summer
Companion Plants	Lilac, Periwinkle, Potentilla
Wildlife Value	All parts of this plant are toxic to animals and humans
Uses	Ornamental; used as a hedge plant; also popular in bonsai

Pictures of Hicks Yew

Hicks Yew Bonsai

Interesting Fact

In England, this plant is restricted to be planted around churches to ensure that animals don’t graze on it and die. Interestingly, deer may feed on parts of the plant and survive.

Hicks Yew Tree

Hicks Yew Plant

References:

The post Hick’s Yew appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Dawn Redwood Tree: A Living Fossil with Remarkable Resilience and Ecological Value

Mark Matzeldelaflor — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 10:28:27 +0000

Imagine standing before a towering tree, its reddish-brown bark standing in stark contrast to the vibrant green needles that reach toward the sky. Often called a “living fossil,” the Dawn Redwood Tree was once thought to be extinct. Rediscovered in 1941, this remarkable tree has since captivated the world with its speed, resilience, and ecological importance.

Dawn Redwood

Rediscovery of the Dawn Redwood Tree

This Redwood tree is one of the most unique trees in the world. For millions of years, scientists believed it had gone extinct. Then, in 1941, a population was discovered in China, confirming its survival. As the only living species of its genus, this ancient giant has become a symbol of resilience. It also provides valuable insights into the past. This tree’s rediscovery has had a lasting impact on environmental and ecological studies.

Mr. T. Kan rediscovered the long lost tree while performing a survey in the Hubei and Sichuan provinces of China. The discovery was confirmed in 1946 after the end of the Second World War. It is the sole species of its genre.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Cupressaceae
Genus	Metasequoia
Scientific Name	Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Physical Characteristics of Dawn Redwoods: Majestic Evergreens with Deciduous Traits

The Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing, deciduous conifer. It can grow up to 165 feet (50 meters) tall. Its reddish-brown bark peels in strips, while its needle-like leaves are arranged in opposite pairs. The tree’s leaves turn golden-yellow in fall, creating a beautiful contrast with its vibrant green needles. Its small cones are light brown, about 0.6 to 1 inch (15-25 mm) in diameter. This fast-growing tree also thrives in wetland areas and riparian zones, adding to its ecological value.

Quick Information

Tree type	Deciduous
Identification	Size: Up to 165 feet (50 meters)Trunk Diameter: 3.3 ft (1 m)Needles (Leaves): 1 in (25 mm), feather-like arrangement, bright green, flattened Bark: Reddish-brown Flowers: Males are a light yellowish-brown arranged in clusters, while females are yellow-green and solitary Cones: Globular to oval in shape, 0.59-0.98 in (15-25 mm) in diameter light brown
Distribution	Native to the county of Lichuan in the Chinese province of Hubei
Habitat	Damp areas in open forests
Hardiness Zones	4-8
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	Over 100 years
Growing Conditions	Summer: Pollen cones grow only on trees in areas with hot summersWinter: Does not withstand cold too wellWater: Thrives in stagnant water Light Requirement: Full sun Soil: Tolerates a variety of soil conditions, including moist, well-drained, loamy, sandy, clay, and acidic
Drought tolerant	Yes
Diseases & Pests	Diseases: Susceptible to canker infections caused by various fungal pathogensPests: Spider mites and Japanese beetles
Reproduction System	Monoecious
Propagation	Cuttings and stratified seeds
Seedling Development	Germinates readily under direct sunlight
Cultivars	National Ogon Gold Rush Sheridan Spire Amberlow Northlight dwarf Miss Grace (Weeping) Hamlet’s broom
Wildlife Value	Provides shade to animals during the summer but not so much in the winter as foliage is lost; deer resistant
Uses	Ornamental; popular in bonsai
IUCN Conservation Status	Endangered

Growth and Lifespan: A Tree of Remarkable Resilience

These Redwood Trees have impressive growth rates. They can grow 3-5 feet per year under ideal conditions. This rapid growth allows it to establish itself quickly. Once mature, it can live for over 100 years. While it thrives in wetland environments, the tree is sensitive to extreme cold. This limits its growth in colder regions. However, its adaptability allows it to withstand drought and other environmental stresses, making it a resilient species.

Dawn Redwood Bonsai

Dawn Redwood Pictures

Dawn Redwood Trees

Dawn Redwood Tree

Ecological Role: Supporting Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

Dawn Redwood Trees play key roles in their ecosystem. They thrive in wetland and riparian zones, where they help stabilize soil and manage water levels. The tree’s dense canopy offers shelter and shade for birds, mammals, and insects. As a pioneer species, it helps restore and improve damaged environments. Furthermore, these redwood trees improve soil quality, support local biodiversity, and regulate water filtration. They are a vital species for both forest restoration and wildlife protection.

Ecological Benefits of Dawn Redwood Trees

Help stabilize soil and manage water levels in wetland and riparian zones
Dense canopy offers shelter and shade for birds, mammals, and insects.
A pioneer species: helping restore and improve damaged environments.
Improves soil quality: supports local biodiversity, and regulates water filtration.
Vital species for forest restoration and wildlife protection.

Dawn redwood vs. Bald Cypress: Comparing Two Majestic Trees

Both trees are often compared due to their similar habitats and ability to thrive in wetland environments, where they support biodiversity. However, the Dawn Redwood Tree grows faster than the Bald Cypress Tree. Its needles are arranged oppositely on the stem, while the Bald Cypress has alternate needles. Both trees are important for ecosystem restoration, but the Dawn Redwood’s rapid growth and unique features make it a popular choice for landscaping and environmental projects.

Dawn Redwood Seeds

Dawn Redwood Cones

Growth and Lifespan: A Tree of Remarkable Resilience

The Dawn Redwood has an impressive growth rate. It can grow 3-5 feet per year under ideal conditions. This rapid growth allows it to establish itself quickly. Once mature, it can live for over 100 years. While it thrives in wetland environments, the tree is sensitive to extreme cold. This limits its growth in colder regions. However, its adaptability allows it to withstand drought and other environmental stresses, making it a resilient species.

Challenges and Conservation: Preserving a Living Fossil

While the Dawn Redwood is a resilient tree, it faces several challenges. Habitat destruction and environmental degradation threaten its native regions in China. As an endangered species, the Dawn Redwood relies on conservation efforts to survive. Restoration projects focus on protecting natural habitats and promoting sustainable planting. Additionally, researchers are working to combat diseases that affect the tree. Through these efforts, the living fossils have a chance to thrive in both native environments and cultivated areas worldwide.

Interesting Facts: Ancient Trees with Rich History

Once thought to be extinct, its rediscovery in the 20th century was a monumental event.
These trees have been around since at least the time of the dinosaurs, and have been called ‘living fossils.’
Its genus name, Metasequoia, reflects its resemblance to the famous Sequoia trees.
Dawn Redwood seeds were introduced to the Western world through the Arnold Arboretum in 1948, where it has since become a popular ornamental tree.
This tree’s rapid growth and adaptability make it a favorite for environmental restoration projects.

Dawn Redwood Seedlings

Dawn Redwood Tree Leaves

Summary: A Symbol of Survival and Ecological Importance

The Dawn Redwood Tree is a true marvel of nature. Once thought to be lost forever, it now stands as a symbol of ecological resilience. Its fast growth, striking features, and vital role in supporting ecosystems make it an essential tree for both conservation and landscape restoration. As the Dawn Redwood faces environmental pressures, ongoing conservation efforts will help preserve this remarkable tree for generations to come.

References:

The post Dawn Redwood Tree: A Living Fossil with Remarkable Resilience and Ecological Value appeared first on Coniferous Forest.