How to identify the trees in the central part of Russia? Deciduous trees of central Russia

In terms of species composition, the forests of the temperate climate lose terribly tropical. The trees of the central strip of Russia are few and seemingly should be known to everyone. But this is not so. Of course, everyone easily recognizes a birch, a pine or a fur-tree, but far not everyone will distinguish an elm from a maple or can describe, as the linden looks. It should also be noted that in the forests one predominates, and in the cities - others. This article will mainly deal with forest species.

Trees of middle Russia: names

The most common coniferous tree of the East European Plain is the pine. Slightly less popular spruce. Sometimes there are white fir and larch falling down. But the dominant position belongs to the deciduous. They grow faster than conifers, and are easier to adapt to changes in the environment, so that they take root even in large cities. According to research conducted on the territory of the Central Russian Upland, the predominant indigenous species are the petiole oak, the lime hearth and the common ash. Of course, everywhere there are birch and aspen. Along the shores of forest rivers, various species of willow and black alder grow. In the shady places comes a rough elm (he is also a mountain ilm). Typical trees in the middle zone of Russia are various maples, and ordinary mountain ash, and a forest apple tree. In cities, decorative forms of apple, black and white poplar are widespread, horse chestnut is found.

Ash ordinary

This tree is one of the most impressive in our forests: it reaches a height of forty meters. The ash has a straight trunk; Bark grayish-greenish. The tree prefers wet, but not swampy soils, so it often grows along streams and rivers. Young ash trees, unlike adults, are not exacting to light. In winter, the tree is easily identified by large black buds. Crown of ash - highly planted, delicate, beautiful shape. He has very recognizable leaves - long (up to 35 cm), odd-pinned.

In general, the leaves of the central Russian trees are the most accessible material for identification. Analyzing their shape, determining the form is relatively easy.

Lime heartwood (small-leaved)

It is a rather tall tree (up to 35 meters). It grows on the plains and in the foothills, often on cliffs, slopes. Well accustomed to the cities and therefore often used as an alley plant. The linden has a straight trunk with wrinkled grayish bark. The trees that grow in the meadows have powerful egg-shaped crowns. Lime tree is a tree-honey plant. It blooms late, in the middle of summer. Small white-yellow flowers have a pronounced sweetish flavor and attract bees. In addition, they are a medicinal product.

The flowers are gathered in a bundle, at the base of which there is a long leaf - a lionfish. The fruits of lime are round nuts. The leaves are round-heart-shaped, slightly reminiscent of poplar. Deciduous trees in the middle zone of Russia, as a rule, do not differ with special longevity, but the heart-shaped linden can live up to 800 years.

Black (sticky) alder

This tree has nothing against high humidity. It occurs in river valleys and even in marshes. Alder grows to 30 meters. The trunk is dark, with deep "wrinkles", the wood is reddish-yellow. The leaves are rounded, with a notch opposite the cuttings. Alder blooms in the middle of spring, just during the high water. In man's trees flowers are gathered in long yellow-purple catkins. Female inflorescences are in the form of solid cones.

Black alder loves light and grows fast. This is a useful plant. Its wood is suitable for use in high humidity conditions.

Oak tree

Trees in the central part of Russia are medicinal, some of their parts are often used in medicine. The oak with its dark and very rough but healing bark is no exception. This tall tree grows on both hills and valleys. He has nodular branches and easily recognizable leaves, called peristoplastic leaves, since they consist of several pairs of interlocking lobes.

Oaks blossom in late spring. Fruits are light brown-yellow acorns (2-3 pieces on a long petiole). Oaks live for a long time, their wood is hard and does not rot. For this reason, expensive furniture is made of it "for centuries".

Elm rough (mountain elm)

The name of the tree is due to the abundance of longitudinal cracks on its bark. The height of the elm is 30 meters, while the plant is very slender, with a long strong trunk and a relatively wide crown. The trees of the central Russian belt are unpretentious: for example, the rough elm gives abundant growths both in damp lowlands and in the mountains, climbing to a height of 1000 meters above sea level and taking root on stony cliffs. Elm is demanding not so much to the temperature of the environment, as to the fertility of the soil. It has large, rough and not very symmetrical oblong leaves with a double-filed edge.

The jigged elm appreciates the penumbra, so you can not see it in open spaces. It blooms very early; Violet-red flowers are collected in dense small bundles. By the summer, the elm fruit ripens and falls. They are flattened nuts, surrounded by two broad, broadened blades.

Poplar and Aspen

Identify these plants can almost everyone, the determinant of trees in the middle zone of Russia is hardly needed. But all the same, when talking about the most common plants we can not ignore these species. By the way, not everyone knows that the second name of aspen is poplar shaking. This tree is very undemanding to the soil, but loves the sun. Aspen quickly captures fresh cuttings and clearings, but its age does not exceed 90-100 years. The trunk is long and smooth, with a gray-greenish bark. Crohn is small, rare and high up. The leaves are almost round, with an uneven edge. The slightest wind blow makes them tremble, which is due to the special structure of the petiole. On top of the aspen leaves are dark green, beneath - gray. In autumn they acquire a rich burgundy color.

The black poplar is better known as a "cultural" tree. It can often be found in cities along the highway or on village streets than in forests. Poplar appreciates the sun and moisture. Under favorable conditions, the tree grows to 40 meters. The bark is gray, rough, with longitudinal cracks. The crown is extensive. Leaves are heart-shaped.

Conclusion

Thus, the article briefly described the trees in the middle zone of Russia, the names of which are well known to everyone. Look at the photos, practice a little - and distinguishing one plant from another will not be difficult. Fortunately, as already noted, the forest flora of the temperate climate is not so numerous.