How to distinguish larch from pine: is there a difference between trees

Coniferous trees are found almost everywhere - in warm and cold areas. In some places, they even dominate other varieties. The most famous plants from this category include spruce, pine, larch, juniper, fir. These are tall trees, but there are also shrubs. Such plants have characteristic features, but not everyone knows how to distinguish larch from pine.

Why you need to distinguish trees

Most often, such trees need to be distinguished at the stage of preparation for construction work. Coniferous wood species are characterized by unique features. They are distinguished by availability and wide distribution, affordable cost, ease of processing.

To get quality results, it is important to choose the right quality material. Pine and larch are often used for construction. However, they are characterized by certain features and quality characteristics. This means that the scope is also different.

Main Features

Larch is one of the most common coniferous plants. The height of the culture reaches 50 meters. In this case, the trunk in diameter exceeds 1 meter in diameter. The life expectancy of a plant is 300-400 years. However, some specimens can reach 800 years of age.

The tree has needles instead of leaves. However, it differs in its characteristic features. Larch needles are soft and annual. In autumn they fall and the tree stands bare.

Scotch pine is also considered a very common coniferous plant. The height of the culture reaches 25-40 meters. The trunk diameter exceeds 1 meter. The age reaches 350 years. The maximum is 600 years.

Pine needles are typical for pairs. Prickly and hard needles reach a length of 4-9 centimeters, and a width of 2 millimeters. They are placed on the shoots in a spiral. In the upper part of the needles it is distinguished by a dark green color, and below it is bluish-green. Cones are located on the branches singly or in 2-3 pieces. They are elongated and reach a length of 7 centimeters.

Both plants are considered very photophilous. Therefore, they are easily replaced by shade-tolerant breeds. At the same time, crops are not too demanding on the parameters of soil moisture and fertility. Scotch pine is a cold-resistant crop.

Larch is also able to withstand severe frosts. Under natural conditions, it is found in various regions. The tree is found in Siberia, in the Far East, in the Carpathians. There are varieties of larches that are ubiquitous and are found in many countries of the world.

Pine trees grow in the Northern Hemisphere. They predominate in the temperate zone. The distribution area of such crops extends from northern Africa to regions located beyond the Arctic Circle. Such trees are found in European countries, Asia, North America.

Main differences

Larch differs from pine in that it sheds needles for the winter. At the same time, pine is an evergreen plant. However, there are other features:

1. In an adult larch, the trunk is usually thicker than that of a pine. At the same time, the crown is more transparent and lighter.
2. Pine has long needles. At the same time, they grow in a spiral in small bunches. Each of them contains 2 needles. Larch needles also form bunches, but each of them contains up to 50 needles.
3. The lifespan of a larch often reaches 600 years. The life span of a pine tree does not exceed 350 years.
4. Differences also affect the shape of the cones. In pine, they differ in a cone-shaped shape, like in many other coniferous crops. Larch is characterized by rounded buds.

Best choice for building materials

Wood from both cultures is often used in construction. Both options have a number of pros and cons. When choosing a particular type of boards, consider the following:

1. Larch is characterized by dense wood. Therefore, it is considered more reliable and has a long period of operation.
2. Quality larch wood has a smooth texture. It has a minimum number of knots.
3. Larch has a beautiful shade. Boards are reddish or light brown. However, there is also a drawback. Lumber can be difficult to match by color. Shades are almost always different.

To sum up, the characteristics of larch are valued more. However, the cost of its wood is also very high. Moreover, the drying and processing of this material is associated with some difficulties. Pine is somewhat inferior in terms of quality, but is considered a budget option.

Influence on a person

Coniferous trees are characterized by a high content of phytoncides. The use of such rocks in construction provides a number of important advantages. They improve air quality and help improve he alth. In addition, conifers are considered sources of valuable essential oils. Such substances have a good effect on the state of the respiratory system. With their help, it is possible to cope with various pathologies.

Pine and larch cones and needles are often used in folk medicine. They are used to make decoctions and tinctures. Such funds help to cope with rheumatism, toothache, sciatica, gout.

Also, pine needles are often used for colds. Its properties help to cure cough, reduce fever and eliminate infections in the respiratory system. Natural remedies based on pine needles successfully cope with inflammation, strengthen immunity and increase stamina.

Pine and larch are considered common conifers that have a number of distinctive features. They relate to the appearance of crops and their qualitative characteristics. This should be taken into account when choosing wood for construction and using needles for the treatment of pathologies.

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