How to distinguish cedar from pine: is there a difference between trees, comparison

Cedar and pine are crops that belong to the Pine family. These crops are considered evergreen conifers. Despite the fact that the considered trees have a number of similarities, they are characterized by many differences. Many are interested in how you can distinguish cedar from pine. To do this, it is worth focusing on the characteristics of plants. The difference affects the size of the trees, the features of the needles, the shape of the cones.

Description of cedar and pine

Cedar is a monoecious plant that has a wide crown. The needles are collected in bunches and placed in a spiral.Each needle has a trihedral shape and an emerald-steel color. Cedar cones are located singly and resemble a barrel in shape. They are placed on shoots in the form of candles. Ripening occurs at 2-3 years of formation.

Pine is also considered a monoecious crop. It is characterized by long or shortened needles. The needles are grouped in 2-5 pieces and form bundles. When damaged areas appear on the trees, rosettes form in these places, from which needles subsequently appear. The color of the needles depends on climatic factors and soil composition. It can vary from bright green to lighter with silvery notes. Pine cones are elongated and hang from branches.

The plants in question are similar in many ways. There are also certain varieties of coniferous crops that have features of both cultures. An example is the cedar pine.

Main differences

To distinguish one tree from another, you need to pay attention to its appearance. At the same time, the features of the trunk and bark, the shape of the cones, the structure of the needles matter.

By the look of the needles

Both plants are monoecious and are considered evergreen. Pine and cedar needles form needles, the life cycle of which reaches 3-6 years. At the same time, it is quite possible to distinguish plants by the appearance of needles.

The cedar is characterized by a chic spreading crown. Its needles form bundles of 30-40 pieces, which are placed in a spiral. The needles have an emerald color with a steel sheen. It has 3-4 facets.

Pine needles can be long or short - it all depends on the variety of culture. The bundles include 2-5 needles. The color of pine needles depends on the climatic conditions in which the culture grows.It can range from green to silvery emerald. In case of damage to pine fragments, needles appear at the site of the wound. They are shorter than the rest of the needles.

Height

An important difference is the size of the tree. Pine is able to reach 25-40 meters. On the southern coast of the B altic, trees grow up to 50 meters. Cedars are very slow growing. Their height can also reach 35-40 meters. However, the average is at the level of 20-25 meters.

By size and shape of buds

One tree differs from another in the appearance of cones. Cedar cones are characterized by a cylindrical shape and are placed in isolation. Their maturation lasts 2-3 years. During this time, seeds appear in the cones, including 8-10 cotyledons. Scales differ in a spiral arrangement. Embryos with wings are attached to them. When the seed falls into the ground, the sprout appears in a couple of weeks.

Cedar cones are directed upwards, and pine cones are hanging.At first, the scales are well adjacent to each other. When the seeds ripen, the cones open. This releases the embryos, which include 4-15 cotyledons. Pine seeds are placed in pairs. Germination rate varies by region.

Along the trunk and bark

Cedar has a straight trunk, while pine can bend. There are certain differences in the structure of the cortex. In pine, they have a scaly structure of red-orange color from below. The higher the bark, the thinner it is. Cedar has a gray-brown color. Old trees have scaly bark.

By lifespan

Coniferous plants can live for hundreds of years. Cedar can be distinguished by the characteristics of growth. The first cones ripen 20-60 years after planting. Then it happens at intervals of 5 years. Pine cones take 1-2 years to mature. In general, cedar is considered to be a more durable plant. Its age may be 800 years.Pine trees usually live no more than 500 years.

By flowering period

Pine begins to bloom in May, and cedar - in June. Of course, it is difficult to call it flowering. Flowers are usually called male cones, in which pollen grains ripen. Pine pollen is very light, so it can fly long distances. After some time, the bump changes its color, becoming pink or yellow.

Female sprouts are located a little further. They are on different branches. Flowering is observed annually. In this case, the seeds ripen in early autumn next year. The cone is able to survive the winter. In spring, the cones open. This process begins when the temperature overcomes the mark of +10 degrees. In this case, the seeds that are inside fly out. In the natural environment, pine begins to bear fruit only at the age of 10.

Pine seeds ripen only 1 year after the formation of male cones. In June next year, after pollination, pollen is fertilized. In early autumn, the cones ripen. Thus, the tree yields only once every 2 years.

Across the log cabin

Cedar boards are more expensive. Dishonest sellers give out pine for cedar. Therefore, it is important to be able to distinguish trees by logs. Cedar wood is considered noble. It can be identified by visual signs. Pine boards crack more often than cedar boards. In addition, they do not have such an attractive appearance, they can dry out and deform.

Cedar and pine types of timber are similar in many ways. However, cedar has an attractive pink color that lasts for a long time. Pine has a grayish tint and may fade over time. This can be seen on the ends of the logs, which immediately lose their color.

It is also possible to distinguish cedar by the knot location zone. They have a pronounced red tint. Pine saw cuts are characterized by a uniform color. You can also determine the nature of lumber by smell. This is due to the difference in the resins included in the chemical composition.The cedar scent is more persistent and intense. It remains even after processing the material.

Another difference is the weight of the boards. Pine is a heavier material. At the same time, the surface of cedar boards has a more even and dense structure. It is characterized by the uniformity of the fibers.

Cedar and pine are plants from the same family. However, they differ in a number of ways. These features relate to the appearance and height of the tree, the color and structure of the bark, the shape and location of the cones.

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