Dendrologists divide all woody plant species into two large groups: deciduous and coniferous trees. And, as a rule, attributing this or that species to one of these groups is very simple. An exception to this rule is only larch. Is it a deciduous or coniferous tree? Let's try to figure this out.
Larch: coniferous or deciduous tree?
Lárix - this is the name of this wonderful tree in Latin. Why does a question arises for many people: "Is larch a deciduous or coniferous tree?" And how to answer it correctly?
The thing is that this tree, although it has needles, however, for the winter it discards its needles in the same way as representatives of hardwood do. This moment also drives many people into a dead end. And not everyone can confidently answer the question "larch is a deciduous or coniferous tree."
In fact, this beauty of botany belongs to the pine family, and, thus, it is coniferous. And one of the most common on the planet.
Larch: a botanical description of a plant
So, we found out that larch is a coniferous tree. Features of this plant, as well as its distribution throughout 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). Larches live on average up to 300 years, although individual specimens are recorded, surviving up to 800 years.
The peculiarity of this plant is conical (like in many conifers), but very loose (translucent) crown. In those places where the wind rose is unidirectional, the crown can have a flag-shaped shape.
The main feature of this conifer is its needles. It is annual and very soft, as for conifer. Touching the needles of larch is quite pleasant. Every autumn, the tree sheds its needles, and in spring new, fresh, green needles grow on its branches.
Larch trees have a sufficiently developed and powerful root system, which allows them to settle on steep hillsides, where strong winds blow throughout the year. In some cases, for greater stability, even its lower branches take root in the earth.
Larch is a very photophilous tree, therefore, it also selects the plots for itself appropriate: open and unshaded. If the growing conditions are favorable, then the plant is able to reach the sun with amazing speed: up to one meter per year!
Larch is very resistant to low air temperatures. Sharp frosts are not afraid of her either. This tree is undemanding to the ground. So, larch can grow both on dry soil of a mountain slope, and on waterlogged land of a swampy lowland. However, if the soil conditions are too unfavorable, then the tree will grow very stunted and low.
Geographical distribution of the plant
Larch is one of the most common tree species on the planet, numbering up to 15 different species. Very often, these trees form vast and bright forests. Huge territories are occupied by larch forests in Siberia, as well as in the Far East.
European larch is often called a long-lived tree. She easily lives up to the age of several hundred years. On the territory of Russia, three types of larch are most often found: Russian, Siberian and Daurian. The latter can be easily distinguished by shiny silver kidneys. In Transbaikalia, whole forests grow from Daurian larch.
In North America, Western and American larch spread. In the USA, the wood of these species is actively used in construction and industry.
Human larch application
The wood of this tree has long been used by man. It is distinguished by strength, elasticity, and resinousness. Plus, it is very resistant to decay. In hardness, larch fabrics are second only to oak.
The wood of this plant is actively used in construction, in industry, in the construction of water or underwater structures. Turpentine is also produced from it.
The plant is also used in folk medicine. So, larch needles are a huge source of ascorbic acid. Therefore, fresh needles (or infusion of them) is an excellent prophylactic for scurvy. In addition, bathtubs from the needles of this tree are recommended for people suffering from joint diseases. Turpentine, a very effective remedy for rheumatism and gout, is also made from larch resin.
