The dwarf cedar is a small creeping woody plant that has spreading branches and belongs to the Pine family. It is characterized by a variety of crowns - cup-shaped, those that spread above the ground or have a tree-like appearance, which are most often found in windless valleys, then the tree reaches 5 meters, has a thickness of up to 18 cm. Ancient plants have trunks of 25 cm and a length of 12 m. Due to the fact that dwarf cedar has different crown shapes, it belongs to a shrub or bush-like tree.
Cedar elfin wood description
It has smooth bark, slightly peels off on the stems, has a dark brown color and gray spots. The creeping forms of the branches can be pressed to the ground, their ends rise up to 50 cm. Young shoots are green at first, then covered with red hair, eventually turning light brown. Cedar has triangular needles, up to 8 cm long.
The cones begin to ripen when the cedar blooms for the second year; they are small, can have an ovoid or elongated shape, and fall with the seeds.
Also characterized by small nuts, up to 9 mm long and 6 mm wide. The productive year for dwarf cedar is the second and fourth.
The root of the bush is first in the form of a rod, has lateral branches, then it can die off and begin to develop in different sides. When a root sinks into a layer of moss, adventitious roots can form. Branches that press against the soil take root.
Elfin cedar has resinous, dense, durable, heavy wood.
This plant grows on different soils - sandy-clayey, loamy, crushed stone-rocky, rocky, sand. It is also adapted to northern climatic conditions. When frost sets in, the branches begin to straighten out, lie flat to the ground, and become covered with snow, and rise again in the spring.
It grows gradually and can live up to 250 years. In open areas it forms thickets.
Useful properties of dwarf cedar
One of the useful substances is turpentine, which is obtained from the resin of dwarf cedar - it is a diuretic, antiseptic and anthelmintic. Essential oils that are included in dwarf cedar needles are an effective sedative, antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Wood contains many monoterpenoids, methyl esters. The composition of needles includes benzoic, abietic, and other useful acids, as well as aldehydes, sandarakopimaradiene. The largest amount of essential oils is contained in three-year-old needles; up to 99 useful components can be counted.
The needles also contain flavonoids, fatty acids, and aliphatic alcohols.
Application of cedar elfin wood
This is a valuable plant because its nuts contain high-grade oil, which is similar to Provençal or almond oil. Nuts are also rich in proteins, sugar and starch. The cake that remains after peeling the nut kernels is used for candy fillings, making halva, cookies, flour, etc. Can make nut milk.
To overcome scurvy, you can use this infusion, take the greenery of dwarf cedar, brew it in hot water, but not more than 60 degrees, leave for a day. You need to drink it every day, 0.5 liters 2 times a day.
With the help of turpentine, which can be obtained from the resin of dwarf cedar, the kidneys and bladder are treated. It is consumed internally, used externally in baths, to treat rheumatism.
It is an indispensable remedy for diseases of the respiratory system, therefore it should be used for colds and coughs.
Turpentine is an effective external remedy; it is used to treat wounds, burns, and ulcers. It can be used as an ointment, poultice, patch, inhalation or bath.
“Paws” - young coniferous branches have an anthelmintic, wound-healing, diuretic agent. Baths with decoctions of pine branches are used for arthritis, gout, lumbago and other skin problems.
An internal decoction of young coniferous branches is used for expectoration, disinfection and against scurvy. For bronchitis and pneumonia, you need to do inhalations with pine needles.
The best anti-scorbutic remedy is nut milk.
Fresh bark will help heal cuts and draw pus from wounds. It is added to baths for gout, rheumatism and lumbago.
A decoction of dwarf cedar buds is an excellent diuretic and is used for inhalation. Resin helps with skin diseases.
Pine nuts help men overcome impotence. Traditional medicine, nuts and honey are used for gastritis, chronic pancreatitis, and is also the best remedy for peptic ulcers. Pine nuts contain lecithin; it is needed for nerve cells to function fully and to maintain normal brain activity. With the help of cedar seeds you can increase immunity; it is good to use it when a person is losing weight or with vitamin deficiencies.
The shells of nuts are useful; activated carbon is made from them. Infusions from the shell help get rid of neuroses, hemorrhoids, liver and kidney diseases.
Decoctions will help with arthritis. If your throat and oral mucosa are inflamed, you need to rinse your mouth with a decoction of pine nut shells.
Cosmetic use of dwarf cedar
Shampoo with essential oil of the plant has a beneficial effect on the hair and scalp. With its help you can get rid of dandruff, add shine to your hair, and strengthen your hair roots. This is an excellent hair growth stimulant. It also has antiseptic properties.
Essential oils from dwarf cedar are included in face masks; you can use it to cleanse your skin and use it instead of soap. This is an excellent hygienic facial care product. With its help, you can add elasticity to your facial skin, get rid of microwrinkles and protect against infection.
Medical scientists have proven that the essential oils of dwarf cedar contain many biologically active substances that effectively affect the skin, hair, and most importantly, have a pleasant smell. They also help calm the central nervous system and relieve stress; they are absolutely harmless.
This unusual plant, which is a close relative of the Siberian cedar and is called dwarf cedar or cedar, symbolizes strength, health and longevity. It has a unique healing power, known already several thousand years BC. And in the 18th century, academician S.P. Krashennikov mentions it in his book about Kamchatka, calling it cedar slate, as a unique and only cure for scurvy at that time.
Distribution area
The birthplace of the culture is a vast territory from Primorye to the Arctic Circle.
Elfin wood has a fairly wide range, most of which is located in Russia. A small branch of it penetrates the mountains into Mongolia. And in the northeastern part of China, Korea and Japan, there are only local areas where the crop grows on mountain tops.
The northern edge of the range originates from the lower reaches of the Lena River, reaching 71 northern latitude and entering the Arctic Circle. Further, the growth area moves in an easterly direction, crossing the Yana and Indigirka rivers. In the Abyi and Kolyma lowlands, cedar does not grow. The line of its range goes around these territories from the south and then crosses the Kolyma River at 68 0 north latitude and moves east along the right tributary of the Kolyma River - Malaya Anyuya and, finally, after crossing the Anadyr River, turns southeast and reaches the Anadyr Bay.
To the north of the indicated latitudes, dwarf dwarf trees can occasionally be seen at the mouth of the Kolyma River in the form of separate islands, distant from one another.
The plant is often found throughout Kamchatka, on the lands of the Kuril Islands, on Sakhalin Island. On the mainland, dwarf dwarf grows in the high mountain areas of the Sikhote-Alin ridge, reaching its southern edge.
The southern edge of the range does not decrease beyond 900 m above sea level. It crosses the Amur River below Khabarovsk and moves along it to its sources, and then reaches the southern borders of Lake Baikal.
A peculiarity of the dwarf tree is its preference in the northern regions to grow in low-lying and even wetlands, and in the south to climb higher into the mountains.
Interestingly, in 2014 it was the dwarf dwarf tree that was recognized by residents of the Far Eastern District as the green symbol of Kolyma as part of the Alley of Russia project.
Description of the plant
Elfin pine, also called dwarf pine (lat. Pinus pumila) and glauca, belongs to the Pine family. This is a tree crop of small size, creeping, in favorable growing conditions with a decorative, lush, widely spread crown, which can have various types:
- Cup-shaped crowns spreading low above the ground.
- Tree-like crowns that form in plants growing in valleys protected from strong winds.
Thanks to this diversity, dwarf dwarf is defined both as a creeping coniferous shrub and as a densely branching tree.
Plants with a tree-like crown grow in the form of trees, reaching an average height of 4-5 m, their maximum height can be 7 m. The diameter of the trunk at the base is about 14-18 cm.
The creeping forms of elfin wood are practically pressed to the ground, rising upward only with the tips of the shoots to a height of a maximum of 50 cm. The trunks of adult plant specimens that are 100 or more years old are 20-25 cm wide and 10-12 m long.
In harsh climates, the creeping form helps dwarf cedar to survive. To achieve this, the plant has developed a special mechanism for pre-winter lodging of trunks, regardless of their thickness. What is unique is that lodging is active, that is, it does not occur under the weight of snow, but with the approach of winter frosts, which are preceded by a steady drop in temperature. In this case, the trunks are anatomically bent to the ground. After the snow falls, they are completely covered with it, and only their outlines can be seen. Moreover, with the arrival of spring, the trunks straighten again and continue to grow as if nothing had happened.
The bark of the plant is gray with spots of brown color located over the entire area of its smooth surface. The wood is incredibly hard. It is so dense that it can be very difficult to break or pierce.
An interesting fact is that the color of cedar constantly changes throughout its entire life period. At a young age, the branches have a rich green color, and the tops are painted in reddish shades. With age, the plant gradually acquires a light brown color.
The needles of dwarf pine are completely atypical for plants of the Pine family. They are collected in bunches of approximately 6 pieces, colored green with a bluish tint. Each needle has three sides and grows from 5 to 10 cm in length.
The next year after the so-called flowering, which occurs in the first half of summer, purple cones ripen on the branches of the elfin tree. They have an elongated or ovoid shape. Their length ranges from 3 to 6 cm, diameter is about 3 cm.
Pine nuts consist of a kernel and a shell. The nucleolus occupies 43% of the total mass. The remaining 57% of the total mass comes from the shell. The nuts are small in size, approximately 5-8 mm in length and 4-7 mm in diameter. 1 kg can contain about 24 thousand pieces of nuts.
The dwarf pine begins to produce seeds only from the age of 20-30 and this continues throughout its life, and the seeds do not ripen annually, but only every 2-4 years.
The root system of this crop first has a traditional pine tap root and lateral shoots. But subsequently the taproot part of the root dies, and the lateral processes located near the surface of the earth develop.
In the places where this plant grows, the moss layer is constantly growing, soil deposits from sand are formed, and the level of permafrost increases. Due to this, the deepened lateral processes of the roots die. Siberian pine has the ability to form new adventitious roots, replacing lost ones.
And also dwarf shoots lying on the surface of the earth can take root. Thanks to such abilities, dwarf dwarf turns out to be an unusually tenacious plant.
Dwarf wood is resinous, hard, heavy and has a specific structure. The growth rings are eccentric, and the curling, expressed in the tortuous arrangement of the fibers, makes it very strong and difficult to split.
Among the impenetrable thickets of elfin wood live many birds and various small animals. The brown bear also finds food there.
These same animals distribute its seeds, which are not equipped with flies. The nuts of the plant are enjoyed by squirrels, sables, chipmunks, mice, as well as some birds - capercaillie, kuksha, and bee-eater. The main distributor of plant seeds is nutcracker, which stores pine nuts in huge quantities for the winter, but does not eat everything. These remaining reserves sprout vigorously in the spring.
The life span of the plant can reach 250 years with gradual, slow growth. It can be seen both in open areas and as undergrowth to various plantings.
When dwarf thickets catch fire, they are completely destroyed by fire. In burnt areas, the resumption of growth of this plant is impossible for several decades, since even the nutcracker leaves these places.
Growing rules
Since the plant seems to be extremely tenacious, it is able to grow in almost any soil, even poor and heavy ones. Adapted to typical mountainous conditions, it can be successfully grown in rocky and rocky areas. Loamy, clayey soils and even sands will satisfy dwarf elfin. The peat layer in flat areas with peaty-podzolic soil is not an obstacle to its existence.
Due to the fact that the crop is undemanding to soil, all that remains is to take into account the characteristics of the cedar root system. Due to the fact that it is superficial, the plant requires a significant area for its growth. And also a prerequisite for planting and caring for dwarf cedar is to ensure regular and sufficient watering, since the soil must be maintained in a constantly moist state.
You can propagate elfin wood:
- seeds;
- shoots formed at the points of contact of branches with the ground;
- vaccinations, however, with a very low survival rate.
You can also purchase a seedling ready for planting in open ground., but it is advisable to do this in a nursery, since dwarf dwarf is still a rather rare plant in landscape design. When choosing a seedling, it is recommended to pay attention to its root system. They must be healthy, without visible damage, with an earthen lump of at least 30 cm. The seedling itself must have flexible branches, no signs of drying out, and be approximately 30 cm long.
Planting seeds
It is advisable to purchase dwarf seeds in specialized stores. Cones of this plant are also sold in nurseries. If elfin wood grows somewhere nearby, then you can simply collect planting material yourself. The buds should be stored in a cold room until germination begins. This could be, for example, a basement or a balcony. The seeds are removed from the cones immediately before sowing.
To obtain dwarf sprouts from seeds you need:
The germination of dwarf seeds is poor, so it is recommended to increase the number of nuts sown.
There is another way to grow dwarf cedar from seeds. You will need a thick, soft cloth on which to spread the seeds, and then fold it into an envelope. This will act as a container for the soil. The envelope must be kept moist at all times. The emerging sprouts are immediately planted in peat pots. The first shoots may appear within 2 weeks.
Sprouts, like offspring, are planted in open ground in the spring. When planting in groups, it is important to maintain an interval of about 4 m between neighboring plants.
Application of cedar elfin wood
Since ancient times, dwarf cedar, distinguished by its decorative and rich crown, as well as tasty and nutritious nuts, has been used for medical, economic and decorative purposes. Its amazing strength, beneficial properties and delicate aroma are mentioned even in ancient poems. And fragrant dwarf oils were used to aromatize the air in the ancient temples of Babylon.
Pharmacological agents
The dwarf cedar is unique in its chemical composition of vitamins and minerals, and in terms of the amount of phytoncides it produces, this plant is one of the leaders among coniferous representatives.
- antiseptic;
- diuretic and anthelmintic drug;
- agent that causes skin hyperemia.
Elf tree resin is also called resin for its ability to heal wounds. Despite ignorance of the chemical composition, the ancient peoples of Kolyma and Kamchatka successfully used the resin of this plant for medicinal purposes back in the 13th century.
Essential oils are produced from cedar needles that have:
- sedative properties;
- analgesic and antipyretic effects;
- property to relieve inflammation.
Elf needles are harvested at the age of the first year of life. Raw materials are collected in late autumn or winter, cutting along with the shoots. In order to minimize the loss of valuable vitamins, it is recommended to store pine needles in cool rooms.
Food industry
Pine nuts contain a large amount of high-grade oil. In the kernels it is 59%, and in the nuts together with the shell - about 26%. This oil is not inferior in its characteristics to oil from pine nuts and almonds.
Used in the food industry and cake. It is used in the production of halva, processed into flour, and used in recipes for candy fillings, cookies and other products.
The nuts themselves are eaten fresh or roasted. And the local population uses them to make nut milk.
Use in medicine
Almost all parts of the plant have healing properties due to their chemical composition.
Stems, branches and roots are used to produce turpentine, which is used both for internal and external use, and also as steam baths in the treatment of many diseases of internal organs and skin.
Young shoots covered with needles, called “foot”, good as baths, inhalations and decoctions for treatment:
- skin diseases;
- respiratory and pulmonary diseases;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- arthritis;
- lumbago;
- scurvy;
- rheumatism.
Nut milk is considered a powerful remedy in the fight against scurvy.
Freshly harvested bark is used to treat skin cuts as fixed dressings.
The seeds compensate for the lack of vitamin B1 in the human body, which causes the disease beriberi. It is enough to eat 200-300 nuts per day.
The buds of the plant are used to prepare decoctions and inhalations.
Chinese medicine uses the roots of the dwarf pine to treat the fungal disease favuse scab.
The resin works well as a wound healing agent.
Other Applications
Cedar wood is used as an excellent material for making original crafts.
In landscape design, the crop is used for constructing hedges, for landscaping park areas in cities, as well as in design compositions for creating alpine slides and parterre lawns. Elf also has proven itself to be excellent when grown in containers.
This culture, due to the peculiarities of the root system, is successfully used as an excellent reclamation plant. It strengthens the soil and prevents sudden movement of rocks in the form of landslides, landslides, and mudflows. The crop is excellent for planting along mountain roads, slopes of ravines and river banks. On rocky mountain slopes it promotes the formation of a soil layer and slows down the development of wind erosion.
Green and yellow-brown dyes are obtained from the needles of the plant.
In cosmetology, dwarf essential oils are used in shampoos and other hair care products to give shine, get rid of dandruff and strengthen hair roots. Masks with essential oils also help cleanse the skin, give it elasticity, get rid of wrinkles and have a pleasant aroma.
Elf cedar, striking in its ability to survive in the harshest conditions, and at the same time possessing so many useful properties, is also a very beautiful ornamental plant. By growing this crop on your own plot, you can not only decorate the area, but also fill the air with a healing aroma, and later also enjoy the healthy dwarf nuts.
Botanical name: cedar dwarf
Homeland of dwarf cedar: from Primorye to the Arctic Circle
Lighting: light-loving, shade-tolerant
Soil: crushed stone, loamy, sandy-clayey, peat-podzolic
Watering: additional watering is required only in dry weather; in other cases, natural moisture is sufficient
Maximum tree height: 3-5 m
Average lifespan of a tree: 200 years
Landing: seeds, cuttings, grafting
Description and photo of dwarf cedar
Cedar dwarf (lat. Pinus pumila) is a creeping, low, woody plant of the family.
The crown can be cup-shaped or tree-like.
Thickets of elfin wood are often called creeping forests or cedar forests, and the plant itself is defined as a shrub or bush-like tree.
The bark of dwarf cedar pine branches is gray, covered with dark brown spots, and almost smooth. In creeping forms, the branches are almost always pressed to the ground, and only the tips are slightly raised upward (no more than 30-50 cm).
As can be seen in the photo, the shoots of dwarf cedar have a green color and thick reddish pubescence; later the young trees become light brown.
The bluish needles of these bush-like plants are collected in bunches of 5 needles, each needle is triangular, reaching from 4 to 8 cm in length.
The cones of dwarf cedar (see photo) are small, slightly elongated or ovoid. With a length of 4 to 7 cm, they reach 3 cm in width and ripen only in the second year after flowering. The nuts are oval, dark brown, with a thin skin, no more than 9 mm in length. 1000 seeds weigh just under 100 g. Active seed production begins at 20-30 years of age and continues almost until the end of the plant’s life. The nuts can be harvested once every 2-4 years. Under favorable conditions, up to 200 kg of nuts are collected from 1 hectare.
The root system of a young dwarf pine pine consists of a taproot, from which lateral branches extend. With age, the tap root dies off, but superficial lateral roots actively begin to develop, and after they are immersed in the moss layer, adventitious roots are formed. If creeping branches remain pressed to the ground for a long time, they are capable of rooting.
The wood of dwarf cedar is dense, resinous, durable, and very difficult to split. Birds and small animals often live in the thickets of these bushy trees. Shrubs also provide a permanent food source for brown bears.
Pinus pumila is not at all picky about living conditions. It can grow on poor and heavy soils, on sand, scree, as well as on flat peaty-podzolic soils. The distribution area is from mountain slopes to low-lying areas, including wetlands of river valleys, as well as sea coast ridges and sand and rocky placers.
These plants are perfectly adapted to harsh northern climatic conditions and are very frost-resistant. When cold weather sets in, the branches of the dwarf cedar pine straighten out and, pressing tightly to the ground, are buried under the snow. With the arrival of spring, the branches rise and stretch again.
Cedar dwarf: cultivation - planting and care
Growing dwarf cedar is best organized in well-lit areas. It is not demanding on fertility, but the soil must be sufficiently moist. Planting is possible even on the poorest, sandy, rocky soils. In dry weather, additional watering is required. This type of bush-like tree is not susceptible to serious diseases and does not require special care.
The main problem when growing dwarf cedar is the superficial root system. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide these plants with sufficient space. The survival rate of grafts of various varieties is very small, so it is best to sow species plants with seeds.
When growing dwarf cedar with seeds, it is important not to forget about stratification (best of all, for six months at a temperature of 2-5? C). Then the seeds are placed in a container with soil and covered with moss. After 1-2 months, seedlings up to 10 cm in height appear, which can be planted in the ground. An important condition is not to bury the seeds in the ground, but place them on it, under the moss, otherwise the planting material may rot.
Cedar dwarf "Glauka" and other varieties
Thanks to its original appearance and high adaptability, dwarf cedar is very good for growing hedges. If in natural conditions these bush-like trees form dense, impenetrable thickets, then when decorating personal plots they are ideal for forming alpine hills and heather gardens, rock gardens and parterre lawns. Dwarf dwarf is suitable for both garden plantings and for growing in containers.
The most common varieties of these plants are:
Cedar dwarf or dwarf pine (lat. Pinus pumila) is a creeping, low, woody plant of the Pine family.
The closest relative of the Siberian cedar is dwarf cedar, or dwarf cedar. Cedar has been known to healers for thousands of years. Even before our era, it was famous for its medicinal properties. For example, in ancient manuscripts there is information that the Sumerians used decoctions and extracts from cedar needles for baths, compresses and lotions. The most ancient poems glorified the attractive power of cedar oil and the unique aroma of cedar wood.
Botanical description
It forms crowns of different types - cup-shaped, creeping above the ground or tree-like. Tree-like crowns are found in elfin trees in valleys sheltered from the wind, where the trees reach 4-5 m (occasionally 7 m) in height with a trunk thickness of 15-18 cm at the root neck. In mature (100 or more years old) plants that creep along the ground, trunks reach 20-25 cm and a length of 10-12 m.
The bark of the branches is almost smooth, gray, slightly flaky on the stems, dark brown with gray spots. In creeping forms, the branches are pressed to the ground, their ends are raised upward by 30-50 cm. Young shoots are initially green, densely covered with red hairs, later light brown. The needles are triangular, bluish-green, from 4 to 8 cm in length, collected in bunches of 5.
The cones ripen in the second year after flowering. The cones are small, from 4 to 7 cm long, about 3 cm wide, ovoid or elongated, falling closed with seeds.
The nuts are small, 5-9 mm long, 4-6 mm wide, dark brown, oval-irregular in shape, with a thin woody skin. The kernel accounts for 43%, the shell for 57% of the total mass of the nut. The average weight of 1000 seeds is 98 g, 1 kg contains up to 24 thousand seeds.
Seed production begins at 20-30 years of age and continues up to 200 or more years. Harvest years - once every 2-4 years. In abundant harvests, up to 2 centners of nuts knocked out from cones are collected from 1 hectare.
The root system of dwarf cedar initially has a tap root and lateral branches, then the tap root dies off and lateral surface roots develop. When roots are immersed in a growing moss layer or in sandy-stony soil sediments, as well as when the permafrost horizon rises, adventitious roots are formed to replace buried and dead roots. Branches pressed to the soil are capable of rooting. The formation of adventitious roots and rooting of branches ensure the vitality of the plant.
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The wood is resinous, dense, heavy, durable, with twisted and eccentric annual layers, and is difficult to split. Thickets of dwarf cedar, as a rule, are richly populated with birds and small animals. In addition, thickets of elfin wood are a constant and invariably rich food supply for the brown bear.
Spreading
Undemanding to living conditions. It grows on poor and heavy soils, on crushed stone-rocky soils with little fertile layer, on loamy and sandy-clayey soils of the podzolic type, on rocky screes, on sand, as well as on peaty-podzolic soils of the plains.
It is well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the north, does not suffer from low temperatures, since with the onset of frost the branches of the dwarf cedar straighten, lie close to the ground and are buried in snow, and in the spring they rise and stretch again.
It grows slowly and lives up to 250 years. In open areas it forms thickets and clumps, and is found as undergrowth in plantations with different compositions, most often with a predominance of larch. It is renewed mainly by seeds, which feed on squirrels, sables, chipmunks, mouse-like animals, bears, and among birds - capercaillie, kuksha, nutcracker and others.
The habitat of dwarf cedar is large. The northern border extends beyond the Arctic Circle, in some places reaching 71° N. sh., and goes to the Gulf of Anadyr. It grows on the territory of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Yakutia, in the Magadan, Sakhalin and Amur regions, in the Kamchatka and Khabarovsk territories, and in small quantities in the Primorsky Territory. In the Russian Far East it does not grow only on the Commander Islands and on Alaid Island (Kuril Islands). In the south of the Khabarovsk Territory and in Primorye, elfin wood is found mainly only in the high-mountainous part of the Sikhote-Alin ridge, stretching along it in an intermittent strip from the Sovetsko-Gavansky and Komsomolsky regions to its southern tip (to the Partizansky mountain node). From the Komsomolsky district, the southern border of the dwarf pine habitat, crossing the middle reaches of the rivers Urmi, Bureya, Selemdzha, Zeya, goes in a winding line to the west to Lake Baikal.
In the extreme south of the range - in Primorye - dwarf elfin wood does not fall below 900 m above sea level (Partizan Mountains). As you move north - to the lower reaches of the Amur, on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and beyond - it grows not only on mountain slopes, but also in low-lying areas, occupying swampy and mossy areas of river valleys, sand and rocky placers and ridges of the sea coast.
Pharmacological properties
Turpentine, obtained from the resin, is an antiseptic, diuretic, skin flushing agent and anthelmintic. Essential oil of dwarf cedar needles has a sedative, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect in mice. The LD50 of essential oil in mice is 0.577 ml/kg.
Usage
Elfin cedar is a valuable economic plant. The peeled kernels of dwarf nuts contain up to 59%, and nuts with shells contain up to 26% of high-grade oil, not inferior in quality to oils from the nuts of Siberian and Korean cedars. as well as Provencal and almond oil. Nut kernels are rich in starch, protein, and sugar. The cake remaining after extracting the peeled nut kernels is used to prepare halva, fillings for candies, flour, cookies and other products. The nuts are eaten fresh and roasted (“heated”), and the local population prepares “nut milk” from them.
The wood of dwarf cedar is a good, high-calorie, and for many northern low-forest areas, the only type of fuel. Distinctive features of wood are high resin content, significant volumetric weight, strength, curled structure, and eccentricity of the annual layers. It is difficult to prick and can be used for small crafts. Wood, twigs and roots can be used as a resin for dry distillation to extract turpentine and resin.
Thickets play an important role in strengthening mountain slopes, preventing landslides, screes, snow slides and mudflows. A powerful root system and a dense ground network of intertwined branches make its thickets a reliable remedy against wind and water erosion. The growth of this shrub contributes to the formation of soils on rocky, barren mountain slopes.
Elfin cedar is a good reclamation species for strengthening and afforesting mountain slopes, securing ravines, scree and rocky cliffs, for protective plantings along mountain roads. This coniferous shrub is not without decorative qualities. It deserves an introduction to landscaping, especially in the north. Characterizing its decorative qualities, S. D. Georgievsky in the article “Cedar Pines of the USSR” (1932) wrote: “Thanks to the decorative properties of the needles, which reveal a whole range of shades under changing lighting, from emerald to bluish-steel, stanella could occupy a prominent place in decorative tree growing, especially when designing “alpine slides” in gardens and parks.”
In 1932, doctors of the Dalstroy Sanitary Department found an effective remedy for combating scurvy - an infusion of dwarf dwarf, widespread in Kolyma. The head of the Sanitary Administration, J. Ya. Pullerits, noted:
“The method of preparing the infusion is very simple. Take the green parts of the dwarf tree - a panicle, brew it in a clean container with hot water at a water temperature of no more than 60 degrees Celsius (hotter water and boiling destroys the anti-scorbutic vitamin), leave for 24 hours, and then pour it into another clean container, and the infusion is ready for use. . It should be prepared for no more than three days. For medicinal purposes, it is necessary to take half a liter of infusion daily (morning and evening), and for preventive purposes, every other day - also half a liter.”
Elfin cedar is a good reclamation plant for strengthening and afforesting mountain slopes, preventing landslides, screes, snow slides and mudflows, consolidating ravines and
river banks, to protect plantings along mountain roads. Restrains the development of wind and water erosion, promotes the formation of soil on rocky, barren mountain slopes.
It is decorative in its own way and can be used for landscaping settlements, especially in the North.
Application in medicine
Turpentine from dwarf cedar resin is a valuable remedy for internal use in the treatment of kidneys and bladder. It is used both internally and externally, including in a steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. In addition, it is very beneficial for the respiratory system and is used in the treatment of diseases such as coughs, colds, flu and tuberculosis. As an external remedy, it is very useful for the treatment of various skin diseases, wounds, ulcers, burns, boils, etc. It is used in the form of ointments, plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths, inhalations. Young foliated branches (“foot”) are used as a wound-healing, anthelmintic, and diuretic; baths made from decoctions were used for neuralgia, arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago, gout, and skin diseases. Young leaves and needles in the form of a decoction were drunk as an antiscorbutic, expectorant and disinfectant; inhalations were used for diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs.
Nut milk is used as an antiscorbutic remedy. Since ancient times, dwarf cedar, and especially its young spring shoots and the sapwood of its trunks, have been considered a good remedy against scurvy.
Fresh bark was tied to cuts and was considered a means of drawing arrows out of wounds. Coniferous branches were used in Transbaikalia and the Far East for baths for rheumatism, lumbago and gout.
The seeds are eaten to prevent beriberi disease (a daily dose of 200-300 nuts protects a person from the disease).
A decoction of “buds” is used as a diuretic, and in the form of inhalations, as an expectorant and disinfectant for diseases of the upper respiratory tract; Their decoction and tincture were drunk for pulmonary tuberculosis. In Chinese medicine, the roots are used for favus scab. Resin (resin) was used for skin diseases as a wound healing agent. The antimicrobial and antiscorbutic effect of pine needle infusions has been confirmed in clinical settings.
Application in cosmetics
Clinical trials of shampoo with the addition of essential natural cedar pine oil had no side effects on the scalp, visible mucous membranes, as well as the surface of the skin of the face and body. It was noted that in terms of its effect on the scalp (dandruff - seborrhea), hair shine, strengthening the hair root and its growth, the tested shampoo is not inferior in its activity to the shampoos used, which contain natural extracts of relict plants and oils. Clinical trials of the shampoo conducted on 113 men and 75 women showed its absolute harmlessness, as well as its activity on the scalp, which was revealed in the disappearance of dandruff, strengthening of hair roots, hair growth and external shine. This activity was especially noted when using the tested shampoo as a treatment for seborrhea and strengthening hair, stimulating its growth.
Clinical trials have shown that the shampoo can be recommended for widespread use and production as a new product that includes natural cedar pine essential oil.
Natural cedar pine essential oils have been tested as a bioactive additive to mouthwashes, in particular to the “Aisin” mouthwash, a pilot batch of which was released for sale by Khabarovsk JSC “Steam”. The positive results obtained when testing the rinse included strengthening the hair roots and improving their structure. The rinse promoted hair growth and had antiseptic properties.
Tests of the perfumery properties of cedar pine oil were carried out jointly with the All-Russian Research Institute of Synthetic and Natural Fragrant Substances. The results showed that the perfume value of the original oil ranges from 2.5 to 4.0 mg/dm3, and of its individual fractions from 2.5 to 4.2 mg/dm3, which indicates the possibility of its use as fragrances.
With the addition of essential oil of natural pine pine, the Far Eastern Forestry Research Institute has developed a recipe for a nourishing, cleansing and moisturizing face mask. The mask cleanses the skin well and can be used as a soap substitute for hygienic facial skin care. The mask increases skin elasticity, eliminates microwrinkles, and increases skin resistance to various infections.
Tests have shown that natural cedar pine essential oil has a wide spectrum of biologically active effects on human skin and hair, is favorably perceived by the olfactory organs: it contains wonderful aromas of the Far Eastern taiga, has a positive effect on the emotional state, produces a positive therapeutic effect, and all this against the backdrop of absolute harmlessness.
Past use
Due to the content of large amounts of vitamin C in the needles (up to 335 mg/kg - 6-10 times more than in lemons) and carotene (40-132 mg/kg, 4-12 times more than in carrots), dwarf cedar was used as an antiscorbutic remedy by Siberian gold miners and fishermen for a long time. S.P. Krasheninnikov, who worked in the Great Northern Expedition (Second Kamchatka Expedition) of Vitus Bering in Kamchatka in 1737-1741, wrote: “The goodness inherent in oil shale is that it is used for scurvy with the desired success, of which the entire sea expedition is a witness, for The servants who were with her did not take any other medicines to cure the declared illness, except for slate wood, from which they made kvass, and drank warm tea instead, and deliberate orders were given so that the large cauldron with boiled cedar wood would not leave the fire.”
The expeditions of the great navigators James Cook and Jean François La Perouse, who were in Kamchatka at the end of the 18th century, in addition to replenishing the supply of fresh water and food in this region, also received gifts from local residents and dwarf cedar needles as a valuable remedy for scurvy.
Use for other purposes
The yellowish-brown or green dye is obtained from pine needles. Natural cedar pine essential oil has been tested as a bioactive additive to various consumer goods. Technical specifications “TU 56-(00969497-004-93)” have been developed for cedar pine oil.
Growing - planting and care
Growing dwarf cedar is best organized in well-lit areas. It is not demanding on fertility, but the soil must be sufficiently moist. Planting is possible even on the poorest, sandy, rocky soils. In dry weather, additional watering is required. This type of bush-like tree is not susceptible to serious diseases and does not require special care.
The main problem when growing dwarf cedar is the superficial root system. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide these plants with sufficient space. The survival rate of grafts of various varieties is very small, so it is best to sow species plants with seeds.
When growing dwarf cedar with seeds, it is important not to forget about stratification (best within six months at a temperature of 2-5 C). Then the seeds are placed in a container with soil and covered with moss. After 1-2 months, seedlings up to 10 cm in height appear, which can be planted in the ground. An important condition is not to bury the seeds in the ground, but place them on it, under the moss, otherwise the planting material may rot.
Thanks to its original appearance and high adaptability, dwarf cedar is very good for growing hedges. If in natural conditions these bush-like trees form dense, impenetrable thickets, then when decorating personal plots they are ideal for forming alpine hills and heather gardens, rock gardens and parterre lawns. Dwarf dwarf is suitable for both garden plantings and for growing in containers.
Yeast masks
and lotions are used in cosmetology for acne on the facial skin. They help improve hair growth, nutrition and health, which is why yeast is used for washing and rinsing hair.
The cones of the dwarf cedar are almost 2 times smaller than the cones of the Siberian cedar, but the fruitful years of the cedar are more frequent than those of the cedar. In terms of nutritional value and healing properties, dwarf nuts are not inferior to pine nuts.
The Druids - the priests of the ancient Celts - had deep knowledge about the nature of trees, their connection with man and the cosmos. Among the many healing trees they singled out cedar.
In Christianity, cedar symbolizes greatness, dignity, beauty and Christ the Savior.
According to biblical legend, the Cross of the Lord was made of 3 types of wood - pine, cypress and cedar, fused with roots. On the site where the cedar tree for the Cross grew, the Cross Monastery was built. Of all the plants in the Bible, only cedar is mentioned several times as a healing and cleansing tree.
The chemical composition of dwarf pine nut kernels is close to the chemical composition of Siberian pine seeds. They contain up to 64% fats, approximately 15-20% proteins, as well as carbohydrates in the form of sugars, vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements, tannins and other bioactive substances.
Cedar milk, cream, butter and other highly nutritious products are made from dwarf pine nuts. By whipping cedar cream, you get butter. It is used in pharmaceuticals for the preparation of medicines, in cosmetology - for the preparation of creams and other cosmetics.
Cedar dwarf (cresting pine) is an unpretentious picturesque plant of the Pine family, having the appearance of a half-bush, half-tree and without problems reaching an age of 150-200 years. There is a legend that the son of the leader of one of the small Siberian nationalities was once turned into a cedar dwarf because he became interested in a white woman and refused to marry a bride of his own tribe. The angry father of the apostate turned to the shaman and he, to supervise him, turned the loving young man into a kind of dwarf likeness of a pine tree. History is silent about whether he was subsequently forgiven, but you have the opportunity to decorate your garden plot with this stylish natural bonsai and saturate the air near your home with useful phytoncides.
Selection of seedlings
It is best to purchase dwarf cedar in a nursery - this is still a fairly rare plant for the Middle Zone. Inspect the roots of the seedling before purchasing, asking the seller to remove the plant from the planting container: they should not be unbroken, damp, with an earthen lump of at least 30 cm. The height of the seedling is not less than 15 cm, the needles are a healthy green color, the branches are flexible. When choosing dwarf cedar for planting on your site, remember that this plant grows extremely slowly and reproduces very poorly, so you will have to be patient and fulfill all the simple whims of this coniferous miracle.
Place
Since the homeland of dwarf cedar is Siberia and the Far East, it easily tolerates severe frosts, winds and changes in humidity. Loves the sun, tolerates partial shade well, although becoming less lush and beautiful in it. It is unpretentious to the soil, germinating even on rocky soil, which allows you to create beautiful rock gardens with its participation. Ready-made soil PETER PEAT “Garden Soil” from the HOBBY line will help ensure the sustainable growth of your elfin wood. The only thing that dwarf cedar cannot tolerate is excess moisture: try to place it on hills or in places with deep groundwater.
Landing
Planting of dwarf cedar is carried out from mid-April to the second ten days of May (if autumn is dry, it can be done in late August - early September) and includes a number of simple rules:
Mulch your plantings with a 5-8 cm layer of sawdust, dead leaves, PETER PEAT pine bark from the DECO line or special artificial material.
Watering
Elfin cedar requires almost no watering; you just need to water it once a month, a bucket per plant, from May to September. In particularly dry months, watering can be increased by one and a half times, and the needles can also be sprayed with cold water.
Top dressing
At the end of April, feed the dwarf cedar with the mineral fertilizer PETER PEAT “NPK 15-15-15” from the MINERAL line. In the future, water it monthly with liquid humic fertilizer PETER PEAT, combining fertilizer with watering, after loosening the tree trunk circle. If the plant is already growing well, fertilize it every other month. Alternative fertilizers:
Nitroammofoska (30 - 40 g per 1 m²);
“Kemira Universal” (20 g per 10 liters of water).
Reproduction
Seeds. The dwarf pine nuts will have to be prepared in advance - kept for six months at 2-5°C. To do this, place them in a container with damp soil at a distance of 1.5-2 cm from each other. Cover the top with damp moss, it is needed to retain moisture, and there is no need to cover it with soil, deepen or bury the nuts, they will rot. Plant more seeds, the plant has poor germination. Plant the sprouts in the ground along with a lump of earth.
By layering. Some dwarf cedar branches grow low to the ground and often root on their own, or “ground” them yourself with wooden/plastic forks and sprinkle a little soil on top. In April, you can carefully dig up the root system without disturbing the earthen coma and, after cutting off the mother branch, plant it in a prepared hole. At the end of the transplantation, water the new settlers with a solution of liquid humic fertilizer PETER PEAT “Living Force: for coniferous crops”.
Care
Caring for dwarf cedar is almost not required - it is only important to provide enough space for the actively developing horizontal root system. Well, water and feed if you want to get a lush, beautiful plant.
Trimming. In principle, dwarf cedar does not need pruning, except for sanitary pruning: remove diseased and broken branches in a timely manner. If we are talking about design, it is best to trim “extra” branches before the last ten days of April, not forgetting to treat the cut areas with varnish or paint.
Shelter. In the fall, cover the roots of the plant with straw or a layer of up to 8 cm. Elfin cedar is not afraid of harsh winters, but its crown can be destroyed by a large accumulation of snow - build a pyramid or cube from long slats and cover it with lutrasil.
Diseases and pests
The dwarf cedar is a real brutal ascetic with a good immune system, but it is also susceptible to some diseases:
Health to your green spaces!