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Siberian fir: description and planting
Siberian fir grows in the northern regions of Russia. Fir needles have a healing effect; if possible, plant a tree in your garden.
A brief description of Siberian fir and its healing properties
Fir outwardly resembles a spruce, but belongs to evergreen pine plants. The height of the tree is from 30 to 60 m, old specimens can reach 100 m. The average life span of a fir is 200 years.
Externally, Siberian fir looks like a spruce
The crown of the plant is conical, its diameter is about 2 m. The bark of the tree is light gray, thin, ribbed at the bottom of the trunk. Thin branches are covered with smooth and flat needles, the length of which reaches 3 cm. Fir needles are thornless, very fragrant. Fir cones are located in the upper part of the plant on a one-year-old growth. They sit upright, ripen all summer. The first fruiting occurs at the age of 35, rarely – about 70 years.
Over the years, sap or fir balsam accumulates in the thickening of the bark. It is used to heal wounds, joints and skin lesions. All parts of the tree, especially the needles, have healing properties. Its broth is taken for urolithiasis, as an anesthetic and general tonic.
Planting Siberian fir and caring for the plant
It is not advisable to plant mature trees, as they do not take root well and die. Fir reproduces well by seeds, which are harvested in the fall. At first, the tree develops slowly. The best option is to plant young seedlings, whose age is not less than 4 and not more than 10 years.
Saplings are planted in early spring, in early April, or in autumn, in September. From 2 to 5 m are left between the trees. The planting site is chosen in the shade or partial shade. The plant is not demanding on soils, but it develops well on moist nutrient soils. Can be planted near a pond or river.
Basic landing requirements:
- a landing pit is prepared with a size of 60 × 80 cm, the bottom is drained to a height of 20 cm;
- the soil is mixed with mineral fertilizers and a pinch of lime, poured into the pit with a layer of 5-10 cm;
- the root collar is not buried, but is left flush with the ground.
After planting, the tree is watered and the trunk circle is mulched with humus. In the first winters, the plant is covered with spruce branches. An adult plant tolerates frost well and does not need additional shelter.
Siberian fir is an unpretentious evergreen plant that does not require special care and skills for planting.