Siberian fir. Types of fir trees and their care

The tall evergreen relative of the spruce, decorating the forests of the Far East of Russia, China and Korea, Japan and North America, is the fir. For centuries, only residents of the places where she grew admired her, but for some time now, the stately forest beauty began to appear more and more often in parks and garden plots throughout Russia.

People like its unusual appearance, which retains its decorative effect for years, and is easy to care for, because unlike many trees, fir does not require shaping.

This representative of the pine family differs from its sisters in its shiny, soft, flat, dark green needles, as well as its ability to retain its lower branches for a long time.

On the underside of each needle
The tree has white stripes that give the plant a memorable festive look.

An additional decoration is the purple cones standing vertically on the top of the tree’s crown.

Fir cones appear only after thirty years, and after ripening they fall to the ground already stiff. The root of a tree is a strong rod that goes deep into the ground.

The growth of the coniferous beauty is peculiar, because unlike most plants, it grows slowly for the first ten years. Having passed this mark, the tree accelerates growth and continues until old age, despite the fact that some representatives of the species live up to four hundred years. Over such a long period of time, fir can grow up to sixty meters.

Gallery: fir tree (25 photos)

Varieties and features

The description of the tree may vary depending on the species in question, but more than fifty species of fir belong to this genus.

Balsamic

Balsam fir is native to the forests of North America.

The tree is characterized by a dense, low-lying crown with a symmetrical pin-shaped shape. The height of the plant is from 15 to 25 meters. Gradually, the periderm changes its ash-gray color to red-brown, and the ruby ​​shoots become red-brown. The branches grow around the trunk in rings that form tiers.

Fir needles are shiny, poisonous green in color, and have a distinct balsamic smell. The cylindrical purple cones reach a length of ten centimeters.

The balsamic species is characterized by shade tolerance, frost resistance and rapid growth. In addition, its lower branches take root well.

Two decorative varieties of fir are grown in Russia:

• Nana,
• Hudsonia.

The Nana variety is a slow-growing dwarf bush. It is down-to-earth, with a maximum height of no more than fifty centimeters. Externally, the bush resembles a pillow, since its diameter is about eighty centimeters. The needles are short, ruby ​​in color and have a pleasant smell. The variety withstands winter and does not tolerate heat and drought.

Single color

The mountainous regions of the United States of America and northern Mexico became the birthplace of this type of fir.

Trees with a wide conical crown reach a height of sixty meters. The single-color type of fir has the largest needles, its length is about six centimeters. The soft needles have a bluish-green matte color and a lemon aroma. The periderm of the tree is dense. It is light gray in color and has oblong cracks. Oval-cylindrical fir cones of dark purple color grow up to twelve centimeters.

This species is characterized by rapid growth, tolerance to wind, smoke, drought and frost. The lifespan of a tree reaches 350 years.

There are several decorative varieties of single-color fir, but in Russia two are the most popular:

• Violacea,
• Compact.

Violacea is called the bluest of the blue firs. Compared to wild relatives, it is low, no more than eight meters. The crown of the tree is wide and cone-shaped. The needles are light blue.

Campacta is a dwarf variety. This shrub is characterized by chaotically placed branches and slow growth. Its blue needles can reach a length of up to forty centimeters.

Korean

From the name itself it follows that initially Korean fir grew only in the mountains in the south of the Korean Peninsula, as well as the island of Jeju. Moreover, it can be found at altitudes from 100 to 1850 meters above sea level. Apparently these factors explain the fact that the Korean species of coniferous tree was discovered only in 1907.

The tree is no more than 15 meters high. Its needles are short, dark green and shiny on top, and whitish below.

Korean fir cones are bright blue with a purple tint. The plant is characterized by slow growth and resistance to the conditions of the Russian winter.

The most widespread varieties of fir of this type are the following:

• Blue Standard is tall tree with dark purple cones.
• Brevifolia - This tree has a rounded crown, needles with a marsh-green top and gray-white bottom, and small purple cones.
• Silberzwerg - this variety is low-growing, slow-growing and densely branched. The crown of the plant is short and round. Its needles are silver.
• Piccolo is a shrub about thirty centimeters high, reaching a diameter of one and a half meters. The crown of the bush is flat and spreading. The needles are dark grassy in color.

Siberian

This type of fir originally grows in Russia, because its homeland is the vast forests of Siberia.

It is rarely used as a plant for landscaping. Typically the height of the tree is thirty meters. It has a narrow, cone-shaped crown and thin branches that slope toward the ground. The Siberian species is characterized by a cracked periderm at the bottom of the trunk and smoother at the top, its color is dark gray. The tree's needles are soft, blunt and narrow, up to three centimeters long.

They are shiny, dark green on the upper side and have two parallel white stripes on the lower side. The tree cones are erect and cylindrical in shape. At first their color may be light chestnut or light purple, then it becomes light brown.

This species changes its needles every eleven years.

The tree is resistant to harsh winters and also grows well in the shade. The Siberian conifer has three varieties:

• blue,
• white,
• motley.

The varieties are similar in appearance and differ only in the color of the needles.

Sakhalinskaya

This tree is native to Sakhalin and Japan.

The height of the plant reaches thirty meters. Its smooth, dark steel-colored periderm becomes darker as the tree matures. Its dense crown has a wide conical shape, the branches of which bend slightly upward. The soft, dark green needles have white stripes underneath. The needles are four centimeters long and no more than two millimeters wide. Cylindrical cones of brown or black-blue color.

The plant tolerates frost and grows in the shade well, but is demanding on moisture. This species needs abundant watering, as well as high air humidity.

Cephallian or Greek

The habitat of this species is southern mountains Greece and Albania. There, fir can be found at altitudes within two thousand meters above sea level.

The plant is tall, it can reach thirty-five meters with a trunk diameter of up to two meters.

Its crown is low and thick, cone-shaped. The periderm of the tree cracks as it grows.

The needles are up to three and a half centimeters long and up to three millimeters wide. The needles have a sharp top. They are thick and shiny, dark green above and pale green below. On the branch, the needles are arranged in a spiral close to each other. The plant has large narrow cylindrical cones. At the beginning of growth they are purple in color, but over time their color turns brownish-purple.

This type of fir is drought-resistant and does not tolerate winter cold. In addition, it is characterized by rather slow growth.

High (noble)

A native of western North America, it fully lives up to its name, because its crown rises above the ground at an altitude of one hundred meters. Her favorite places are valleys near rivers, as well as gentle slopes of the ocean shores.

With such a height, this type of coniferous beauty undoubtedly received the title of the most tall fir from the whole family. Tree top on early stages life has the shape of a cone, but as it grows it becomes dome-shaped. Young branches of the plant have an olive-green or red-brown color with a fluff covering them. The older branches are bare. shallow and curved at the base. It is shiny and green on top and bluish below. The cones are oblong and cylindrical in shape. They reach a length of up to 12 cm and a diameter of up to 4 cm. Initially, the cones are emerald or red-brown, but as they mature, they become dark brown-gray.

This type of fir lives about two hundred and fifty years.

Whole leaf (black Manchurian)

The homeland of this species is spread over three countries: the southern regions of Primorye Russia, the northern regions of China and Korea.

Compared to the American fir, this tree is short, its height is 45 meters. The thick crown is shaped like a wide pyramid. It is loose and stretches to the ground. Distinctive feature species - bark color. In young plants it is dark gray, and in adults it is already black. The needles are dense and rigid, with a sharp end. In addition, they are solid, which is why the type of tree got its name. The upper part of the needles is shiny dark green, and the lower part is light. The needles form peculiar waves on the branches. The cylindrical cones are light brown and covered with a light velvety layer.

This species changes its needles every nine years.

The growth of a tree in the first ten years of life is slow, but after passing this period, growth quickly increases. In total, the tree lives about four hundred years.

The plant is resistant to winter conditions, grows well in the shade, is not afraid of winds. For successful growth, it needs high humidity in the air and soil.

Nordmann fir (Caucasian)

The regions of the Western Caucasus and Turkey became the birthplace of this beauty.

This type of fir rises 60 meters above the ground. The diameter of its trunk can reach two meters. The narrow, cone-shaped crown is densely covered with branches. The fir needles are dense, dark green in color with a silver bottom.

This type of tree is long-lived. Its maximum lifespan is five hundred years. But it is still quite difficult to see the Caucasian fir, because the plant is quite rare. This is due to the fact that the tree does not tolerate winter cold well.

However, several ornamental plant varieties have been bred:

• Pendula Aurea,
• Gtauka,
• Albo-spicata.

Subalpine (mountain)

This is another native of North America, only its habitat is located in high mountains mainland.

The diameter of the trunk reaches 60 cm, while its height does not exceed 40 meters. The low-growing crown of the tree resembles a narrow cone. The gray bark of the plant is smooth, but it is covered with small cracks. The matte needles are grass-blue on top and have two white stripes on the bottom. The cylindrical cones of this species ripen every year in late summer.

Some types of mountain fir are used as ornamental plants:

• Argentea is a tree with silvery needles.
• Glauka is a plant with oblong needles of steel or blue color and a pyramid-shaped crown. Its height reaches twelve meters.
• Compacta is a dwarf tree. His height does not exceed one and a half meters. The wide crown branches well. Silver-sky needles have bluish stripes below. The shape of the needles resembles a sickle, and their length is three centimeters.

Low-growing varieties of wood are widely used in landscape design.

Fir is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful trees, and therefore it is used to decorate parks, green areas and personal plots. Each species of this coniferous plant confirms that nature is the most talented creator.

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Both in winter and in summer, the evergreen Fir adequately meets all the weather pranks of nature. That is why the unyielding emerald Fir was a symbol of patience, dignity and rebirth among the ancient Slavs.

Shamans made talismans from Fir that gave the owner enormous intellectual and physical strength. In addition, like many conifers, Fir was a symbol of the new year and the birth of a new life.

fir names

According to one version, the Russian word “fir” comes from the Karelian “pihka”, which means “resin”. Thanks to the resin, fir branches have an amazing fragrant aroma.

According to another version, the word comes from the Latin “Fichte”, which actually translates as “Spruce”. The Latin name "Abies" also translates to "spruce".

What does Fir look like?

Fir is a pyramidal tree with dense green needles. The branches of the Fir start from the ground itself, just like those of the Spruce.

Some types of trees reach 40 meters in height, but the diameter of the trunk remains about half a meter.

The root system consists of a central root deep into the ground and several near the surface. Thanks to this root system, Fir is incredibly stable. Even strong hurricanes cannot harm a tree.

The bark of the tree is smooth with small thickenings - nodules, which contain aromatic resin.

Where does Fir grow?

Fir mainly spreads in the Urals, Siberia and Far East. Some species are found in Canada and Alaska. Firs are even found in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Fir is a rather demanding heat-loving tree and loves fertile, moderately moist soil. However, there are about 50 species of Fir growing in the world. The most common in Russia is Siberian Fir.

When does Fir bloom?

Fir grows slowly and in the first years of its life it gains only a few centimeters in height. Flowering occurs in spring in May.

The purple female cones ripen throughout the summer and fall in September. When all the seeds leave the cone, it completely crumbles.

The average age of Fir ranges from 300 to 400 years. The tree begins to bloom at about 60 years of age.

Medicinal properties of Fir

For medicinal purposes, bark, cones, resin, pine needles and branches are used.

Fir “paws” contain vitamin C. In addition, essential oil is extracted from them, which is a valuable component of many medicinal and cosmetic products. This oil is also extracted from tree branches.

Fir needles are capable of removing accumulated harmful substances from the body. In addition, it is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Infusions and decoctions of pine needles are taken to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Infusion from fir needles is also an excellent immunostimulant. This is especially true in spring. This drink not only strengthens the immune system, but also calms nervous system.

Fir cones are steamed in a water bath and used to treat rheumatism and relieve joint pain.

Application of Fir

Despite the thorny branches, fir brooms are widely used in Siberia. Fir oil is also added to shampoos to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Fir wood is not of particular interest for carpentry. Due to the absence of resin in wood, it is susceptible to rotting to a greater extent than other species. However, Fir wood is the most valuable raw material for paper production.

Resonant Fir wood is used to make soundboards of various musical instruments.

Resin extracted from tree bark is used in the optical industry, medicine and perfumery.

Contraindications

When using Fir products for medical purposes, you must remember about individual intolerance to the components.

Fir oil should be used with extreme caution by nursing mothers and people with heart problems.

Before using Fir products in the treatment of any disease, you should consult your doctor.

Fir can reproduce by layering. If one of the lower branches touches the ground, it may take root and form a new tree. Elf fir is an unusual natural phenomenon.

The needles of cut Fir fall much less than the needles of Spruce, so Fir is sometimes given greater preference during the New Year holidays.

Fir cones unlike others coniferous species located vertically.

Fir contains phytoncides, so it can be used to disinfect a room.

Firs are very sensitive to factors such as dust and smoke, so they are rarely found in cities.

Authors of illustrations: solik25, merlu , vovafritz , Nick Vasiliev (Yandex.Photos)

Over 50 species of fir are found in nature, occupying geographical areas Central and Eastern Europe, northern regions of Central Asia, widespread in Siberia and the Far East. In ornamental gardening, the 10 most popular representatives of the fir genus are used, a description of which is given in the article.

General characteristics

Most representatives of the genus Fir (Abies) share the following morphological and ecological characteristics:

• large trees with a crown in the form of a regular cone
• in many species the bark is smooth and light gray in color
• The root system is of a core structure, going deep into the interior. The largest mass of fibrous roots is located in the upper layers of the soil

At first glance, fir resembles spruce in appearance. They are especially similar to each other from afar. Coniferous trees are similar not only in appearance, but also in name. In Old Church Slavonic, spruce is called “Yalina”, and fir is called “Yalitsa”. But there are still significant differences between them:

• most fir species have smooth gray trunks with thin bark and numerous resinous nodules
• the branches form a crown of a regular conical shape, narrower and neater than that of spruce
• the needles at the ends are blunt with white longitudinal stripes

Fir is easy to distinguish when it bears fruit.. Spruce cones hang down, and fir “cobs” stick straight up. When the seeds ripen, they immediately fall out. It is impossible to pick up a cone filled with grains from the ground. If they are needed for sowing, they are looked for below or cut off along with the cones before they fall.

Most types of fir need fertile, well-aerated, moist soils.

Decorative varieties are extremely sensitive to an excess of harmful substances in the air, especially carbon dioxide and car exhaust smoke. This is the reason why, in urban environments, they are much less common than other conifers.

In landscape gardening, 9 types are most often used, as well as their breeding varieties, which are similar to each other in living conditions.

Location

1. Firs are shade-tolerant plants, but grow better with sufficient lighting. They need a lot of light in the first five years after planting. Optimal conditions are sun in the morning and light partial shade in the afternoon.
2. Refers to wind-resistant plants, although it is better to protect them from severe turbulence. It will withstand a draft, but will suffer and lose its decorative effect.
3. Requires high humidity.
4. Plants are demanding on soil conditions.

Soils

The lifespan of most cultivated species and varieties is several decades. They require fertile, rich soil with good drainage to thrive. They do not tolerate stagnant moisture at all. Even with short-term flooding, plants quickly die.

Timing and features of planting

The optimal time in spring is April. Another deadline is the end of August, beginning of September. Although, trees with a lump of earth can be planted at any time of the year when the earth is dug.

Seedlings take root better when they are 5 to 10 years old.

The size of the planting hole should be twice the size of the coma, but not less than 60 cm in diameter and 60 cm in depth. When planting, the plant is positioned so that the root collar is flush with the edge of the hole.

The soil mixture for planting fir consists of the following components:

• medium loam – 2 hours
• leaf soil or humus - 3 hours
• bottom peat – 1 hour
• coarse river sand – 1 hour

When planting, complete mineral fertilizer nitroammofoska is applied at the rate of 250 - 300 g in each hole, as well as 10 kg of forest soil or sawdust.

If fir is planted on heavy natural soils, drainage at the bottom of the hole is required. It is formed from crushed stone or crushed brick, in a layer of 15 - 20 cm, and only after that the pit is filled with nutritious soil.

Care

Fertilizing is carried out 2-3 years after planting. Typically, a universal fertilizer for coniferous plants is used - 150 g per 1 m2.

Water the fir as needed, when the top layer of soil dries out, at the rate of 15-20 liters per tree. In the hot season, the crown is sprinkled once every two weeks.

Fir favors loosening the soil and removing weeds. Recently, this process has successfully replaced mulching. It is better to use forest litter, bark, wood chips, cones, and sawdust of coniferous trees as a protective material.

Thanks to the natural shape of the crown, There is no need to trim the fir. with the exception of dry, broken and diseased branches.

Most ornamental varieties are frost-resistant plants that do not need winter protection. But in the first years of life, it is better to cover young plants to protect them from low temperatures. For this purpose they use modern material called "spunbond".

Varieties of spunbond have different names assigned by manufacturers different countries. The following assortment is offered for sale: Agrofibre, Agrotex, Agril, Lutrasil, AgroSUF, etc.

Any of listed types- this is a white non-woven fabric that allows air and moisture to pass through well, retains heat, increasing the temperature inside the shelter from 2 to 9 degrees compared to the environment.

In areas with cold climates, the material is often used to protect heat-loving fir varieties from severe frosts.

Read also:

• The importance of superphosphate as a mineral fertilizer in the care of tomatoes, potatoes, seedlings and other crops. Ways to use it in the garden (Photo & Video) + Reviews

Description of species and varieties

From several dozen natural species In ornamental gardening, the most commonly used botanical types of fir are:

• European or white
• Balsamic
• Single color
• Korean
• Mountain or subalpine
• Caucasian or Norman
• Tall or tall
• Spanish
• Arnold

Some species have breeding varieties of different sizes, shapes and colors. Read more about those that are successfully used for landscaping parks, squares and personal plots.

European - Abies alba

Botanical synonyms of the species - P. white or P. comb. In nature, it is most often found in most of Europe.

Average life expectancy is 350 – 400 years. There are many cases of long-lived fir trees, whose age is more than 700 years.

Average height - 50 m.

Crown diameter 7 - 8 m.

The bark is smooth, light gray.

Needles, 2.5 cm long, dark green in color. The underside of the plate has two longitudinal white stripes.

The size of the cones is 15 - 16 cm.

The species is distinguished by good winter hardiness, which gains strength as the tree matures. In particularly cold winters, young plants freeze over. For this reason, they need shelter.

Severely suffers in conditions of increased air pollution, even to the point of complete death. It is not found in mass plantings; it is easier to find the species in a botanical garden or in a well-groomed area where a professional works.

Balsamic – Abies balsamea

The natural habitat of the species is the North American continent in Canada and the USA.

The average duration of growth is 150-200 years.

Among the species, fir is considered a relatively short tree that grows up to 25 m.

It has a thick, cone-shaped crown.

The color of the smooth bark is pale gray shade. The needles, characteristic of fir, are mild and dark green on top. On the reverse side of the plate are two thin whitish stripes.

When young cones appear, their color is dark purple, but when ripe it changes to light brown.

The fruits reach such sizes - length - 70 cm, diameter - 3 cm.

Frost resistance is superior to other types of fir.

The following selection forms are used in landscape design:

Balsamic Nana - Abies balsamea Nana

Slow growing miniature shrub. At the age of ten it reaches 50 cm in height and the same in width.

Detailed description:

• maximum dimensions of the variety - height 80 - 100 cm, diameter - up to 2 m
• crown shape - flat-round
• flowers and fruits have no decorative value
• grows successfully in fresh humus soils, suffers in extreme heat and dryness
• characterized by high demands on soil fertility and moisture

Balsamic "Piccollo" - Abies balsamea Piccollo

• The bush is a spherical dwarf.
• Growth is slow, at the age of ten years the crown forms on average up to 30 cm in diameter.
• The needles are short and thick. Needles located close to each other form a “brush”.
• They need fertile, loose soil, without stagnant water. Does not tolerate scorching sun and drought.
• The optimal climate is in zones 4 – 6.

Single color – Abies concolor

Medium-sized coniferous tree, up to 25 m high. B at a young age The shape of the crown is sharply cone-shaped, changing over time to a broad pyramidal shape. It is distinguished by strictly horizontal growth of branches.

The needles are long, like for a fir, up to 8 cm, colored gray-green.

Young fruits point upward, reddish in color. As they ripen they turn pale brown.

Unlike most types of fir, the growing conditions are treated with average demands. They grow best in fresh, fertile, humus-rich soils.

P. monochromatic is considered the most unpretentious species.

Optimal zones for cultivation are 4 – 5. During the first 5 years after planting, young plants require shelter for the winter if extremely low temperatures are expected.

It tolerates urban conditions more than other firs.

Thanks to large sizes used in park construction and landscaping of large-scale areas.

Single color f. "Compacta" - Abies concolor "Compacta"

• A slow-growing, low-growing variety that reaches only three meters by the age of 30.
• The needles are thick, short, dark green, shiny on top and matte on the back side of the plate. Their length is shorter than that of the original species.
• The selection form is good for single plantings, which in landscape design is called “Solitaire”. Suitable for small areas, often used as a Christmas tree.
• More than other types and varieties of fir, it can withstand gas pollution in populated areas.
• Featured climatic regions – 4 – 5.

Single color - Abies concolor f. "Violacea"

• The selection of the variety, which began in 1879, was aimed at consolidating its unique decorative properties. The form differs from other representatives of the genus “Fir” due to the unusual color of the needles. In certain lighting it has a violet hue, hence the name Violacea, which literally means “violet”.
• Despite its sophistication, the variety is more resistant to air pollution than others, has relatively high drought resistance, and winters well.
• The average height of the plant is 7 – 8 m. It grows quickly compared to other species.
• When propagated by seeds, it almost always retains the decorative properties of the variety, which is extremely rare among hybrid plants.
• Gardeners try to place the tree alone or in a prominent place so that its effectiveness can be seen from everywhere.

Korean – Abies koreana

Medium-sized tree of slow growth. At the age of 30 it grows to a height of 3 - 4 m. The needles are short, shiny on the outside, and whitish on the back side of the needle.

The blue-violet cones directed upwards give the variety an impressive decorative effect. They appear even on young plants, about one meter high.

The species is distinguished by its high demands on lighting and soil fertility.

Successfully used in single and group plantings. Recommended for small areas as a New Year's tree.

Climatic zones – 4 – 6.

The varieties “Brefolia” and “Silberlock” are popular on sale.

Korean - Abies koreana f. "Brefolia"

• The appearance of the crown is radically different from the cone usual for fir, since the branches are located asymmetrically.
• The dwarf shrub grows slowly, its maximum height is about 1 m, after thirty years of life.
• The shoots are hard, short, lacy.
• Extremely demanding of lighting and soil. Needs high fertility and painstaking care.
• Most often grown in the fifth climate zone.
• In the landscape it leads in rocky gardens and mixborders.

Korean - Abies koreana f. "Silberlock"

• Medium-sized, slow-growing variety.
• The conical crown is round in shape and gains width after 10 years of life. Approximate height 3 - 4 m at the age of 25-30 years.
• A distinctive feature is flexible, curved shoots, uncharacteristic of fir.
• Used in mixed tree and shrub plantings or as a single specimen in an open area.
• One of the recommended options for decorating for the New Year.
• The optimal geographical growth zone is 4 – 5.

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Mountain – Abies lasiocarpa

Another botanical name is P. subalpine.

The selection form “Compacta” is used in landscaping:

A medium-sized tree 2 - 3 m high.

The maximum crown width in the lower part is 2 - 2.5 m.

The shape of the tree is cone-shaped. The degree of overgrowth of branches is high.

Green needles at a young age acquire a silvery coating when fully bloomed.

The flowers and cones are inconspicuous and have no decorative value. growing conditions.

A characteristic feature is slow growth.

Requirements for growing conditions:

• Grows well with sufficient light on humus-rich soils.
• Tolerant of short-term drought, but responsive to soil and air moisture.
• Reacts negatively to soil compaction and salinity.
• Suffers in a highly acidic environment, even to the point of death.
• It grows normally in 4 – 5 – 6 climatic zones.

Fir tree in the photo

Fir is a relative of spruce, a genus of monoecious evergreen trees, with a height of 25 to 50 m. Homeland - North America, Eastern countries - China, Japan, Korea, Far East.

When describing the fir tree special attention deserves a crown - it is pyramidal, with one trunk-axis and branches arranged in tiers. The needles are flattened, dihedral, with stomatal stripes on the underside. Thanks to the waxy coating, the needles appear whitish. There is a notch at the top of the needle, which is typical only for fir. The needles are attached to the branch with a disc-shaped, widened base in the form of a suction cup, so when they fall off, a trace remains in the form of a scar. The needles of the evergreen fir tree live for several years without falling. The fir root system is deep, but not branched.

At the age of 30 or more years, fir trees are decorated with cones. They appear in the upper third of the crown, are usually darker in color and stand on the branches like candles.

The genus fir has more than 50 species, eight of them are found in the natural conditions of Russia. You can find photos and descriptions of fir species, especially popular in the middle zone, on this page.

Siberian fir tree in the photo

Siberian fir is common in the northeastern regions of the European part of Russia, as well as in Siberia. In the mountains it can rise up to 2 thousand m above sea level. The tree is tall, with a pyramidal crown, durable - maximum age is 200 years, but even then it dies not from old age, but from root rot.

As you can see in the photo, Siberian fir needles are narrow, 2-3 cm long:

Siberian fir needles
Siberian fir needles

The root system is deep due to the taproot, but not branched and without visible root hairs. They are replaced by mycorrhiza fungus, with which fir forms a very productive symbiosis.

The buds are resinous, and the bark also produces resin abundantly. The resin has a beneficial effect on the plant, reducing evaporation.

The winter hardiness of Siberian fir is high, which cannot be said about its resistance to air pollution. She also does not like waterlogged soils, and swampy ones kill her.

All parts of Siberian fir contain volatile and non-volatile resins. Volatile substances include turpentine and essential oil substances, and non-volatile substances include rosin and resin. Both of them have bactericidal properties, due to which fir trees in their youth are almost not damaged by diseases.

Fir oil is extracted from needles and young branches on an industrial scale, which is used to prepare camphor. In its pure form, fir oil is widely used in medicine - for inhalation, rubbing, and as a component of medications for upper respiratory tract diseases.

As a heart remedy, this camphor is superior in vitamin C content and effectiveness to imported ones.

Fir varieties of eastern origin - from Korea, Northern China, and the Far East - are also of great interest.

Look at the photo of the Siberian fir, the description of which you could read above:

Siberian fir
Siberian fir

Caucasian fir in the photo

This plant is quite widespread, but less stable in cultivation. The tree is powerful, beautiful, very tall and durable. It lives up to 800 years, but just like the Siberian fir, it dies not from old age, but from fungal diseases and pests.

Caucasian fir in the photo

In cultivation, this species attracts the attention of breeders; they have bred weeping forms with golden needles.

When describing the Caucasian fir, it is worth noting its main drawback: the tree often suffers from sunburn. Obviously, because the bark and branches are less protected by resinous substances than, for example, Siberian fir.

The dwarf decorative form of Nordmann fir is the slow-growing plant “Golden Sprider” with a spreading crown. In culture since 1961.

Pay attention to the photo of the Caucasian fir of this variety - its needles are yellow-colored on top and yellow-white below, the length of the needles is 10-25 mm, width - 2 mm:

Caucasian fir
Caucasian fir

This is an excellent plant for decorating small gardens; it can be used to decorate the bare trunks of other coniferous plants; it grows well in their shade.

Balsam fir in the photo

It is a North American fir that grows wild in Canada. Can grow on Far North, in the tundra, where it forms dwarf-type thickets. It is not afraid of swampy places, near water bodies - the place for this fir is ideal.

The balsam fir coniferous tree has very aromatic dark green needles and resinous buds. The name itself speaks of the value of this pita as a balm. The bark, young branches, and buds are saturated with it. Balsam made from this fir is of the best quality by international standards. It is called “Canada balsam” and is indispensable in microscopic practice for fixing anatomical sections. Widely used in medicine as a bactericidal agent.

When describing balsam fir, one cannot fail to note its frost resistance. However, this tree is not drought-resistant, so it does not do well in the south. Dry air has a particularly negative effect, and dry winds are generally destructive for it.

As shown in the photo, balsam fir has decorative forms with white needles at the ends:

Balsam fir
Balsam fir

There are also miniature forms, but they are used in landscaping only in central Russia.

Fir "Nana" in the photo

Balsam fir "Hudsonic" or "Nana", is a low-growing, slow-growing plant with a rounded shape, reaching only 60 cm in height. Requires acidic soil and full sun. Winter-hardy down to -40 °C. Plant better in autumn or in winter. Its needles are dark green, short, glossy and dense.

In the wild, single-color fir is a tree up to 30 m in height. Young shoots are yellowish-green, glabrous or slightly pubescent. The bark of the trunks is gray, initially smooth, then deeply fissured. The buds are spherical, yellowish, resinous.

Decorative single-color fir in the photo

The needles are linear, 4-7 cm long, up to 2.5 mm wide, bluntly pointed or obtuse at the apex, narrowed towards the base. The description of single-color fir needles follows from its name - the needles on both sides are single-colored, gray, bluish or grayish-green, dull, on the side shoots they are arranged in a comb-like manner, somewhat curved.

Cones of decorative single-color fir

The cones are oval-cylindrical, 8-12 cm long, 3-5 cm thick, adults are light brown, slightly resinous. The covering scales are half as long as the seed scales, finely toothed along the outer edge, and pointed in the middle.

Seeds are 10-12 mm long, wedge-shaped, light brown, with a wing 15-20 mm, ripen in October.

This is an excellent decorative fir for the garden, in addition, it is one of the relatively hardy ones that are not even so dangerous from air pollution. It is undemanding to soil and climate and is propagated by seeds.

Of the dwarf forms of single-color fir, Glauka Compacta is very popular.. It is characterized by a dense asymmetrical crown shape and striking gray-blue needles. This crop is suitable for larger rock gardens; it can be planted next to them, as well as placed in the middle of the lawn and in small gardens.

Look at the photo - a single-color fir has a grayish-bluish color of needles that contrasts with the lush green or green with a golden tint of other conifers:

Fir "Glauka Compacta"
Fir "Glauka Compacta"

It is advisable to use single-flowered fir for the conditions of the arid south and southeast. Its homeland is North America, growing along rivers, on shady slopes. The tree is beautiful, slender, with a waxy matte-gray crown. The needles are long - up to 5-6 cm, and have a lemon scent.

The plant is very light-loving. Extremely hardy. Unpretentious in cultivation, grows on any soil, even saline. The tree is drought- and frost-resistant and is very popular in landscaping in central Russia, because it is as beautiful as it is durable. Lifespan - 350 years.

As can be seen in the photo, this decorative fir has forms with silver-white, blue-white, golden or pale yellow needles, as well as dwarf and weeping:

Decorative fir
Decorative fir

Fir trees of eastern origin are also of great interest - from Korea, Northern China, and the Far East.

Korean fir in adulthood it seems too bulky for a small garden, but, nevertheless, it is quite suitable for such use. It will take many years before this plant reaches 2-4 m in height. It grows slowly. It often happens that the crown diameter of an old Korean fir is greater than the height of the entire plant.

Korean fir
Korean fir

Pay attention to the photo - this type of fir has very beautiful, dense, lush green needles on top and white below, and most importantly, attractive purple cones that appear even on a young tree.

Dwarf fir "Silberlock" in the photo

This species has a dwarf form "Silberlock". The plant reaches only 80 cm in height - small dark green needles are white on the underside. The cones are dark red in color, 10 cm long, and scatter seeds when ripe. Winter hardiness down to -29 °C.

Vicha fir in the photo

Fir Vicha originally from Japan. It is very unusual and decorative with its flowing branches with soft, curved needles. At a young age it grows quickly. Winter-hardy and resistant to smoke, smog, and gases. But he loves light and fertile soil.

Equal scale fir also from Japan. The tree naturally grows in the mountains. Unlike Vicha, it has resinous buds. In Russia it is successfully growing at Black Sea coast, and in the European part it loses all its majesty, reaching a height of 20-25 m.

As shown in the photo, this variety of fir is often cultivated as bonsai in Japan, and in natural form it is a decoration of parks, temples, castles.

Fir Vetkhova- a tall species, is a slender tree, reaching 20 m in height and 4 m in crown diameter. She has thick shiny needles dark green with a silver tint on the underside. Every year this tree grows approximately 70 cm in height and 20 cm in width. It is planted mainly singly in large gardens.

Tall fir, or gigantic- a species from North America, found in the mountains at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level, where it reaches a height of up to 100 m. Of course, in Europe it does not grow so high, but it grows successfully, being unpretentious.

Pretty fir is also a powerful tree. Grows wildly in North America. Its distinctive feature is its long (up to 3 cm) needles with the scent of orange. The buds and young branches are resinous.

Fir trees were a decoration of gardens in Ancient Greece. There are several Mediterranean species known to be of historical interest.

Pretty fir, form “Spread Star”- a tree up to 90 cm in height, with low-growing spreading branches.

Look at the photo - this variety of fir eventually forms a carpet 3-3.5 m wide:

Grows best in acidic soil and full sun. Winter-hardy down to -23 °C. It is better to plant in autumn or winter.

Greek fir (Parnassian), according to legend, was used to build Trojan horse. Its peculiarity is the spiral arrangement of the needles. It grows in the mountains of Greece. We feel good in Sochi.

Spanish fir found in the calcareous mountains of Southern Spain at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. This is a relatively short tree, up to 25 m, very beautiful with its dense crown.

As you can see in the photo, this fir tree has short needles, but thick and hard, which is not typical for other fir trees:

They are arranged in a spiral, which is why there are no gaps in the crown. The species is thermophilic, not frost-resistant, and undemanding to soils. It is used in landscaping on the Black Sea coast and in Crimea.

Fraser fir
Fraser fir

Fraser fir- an alien from North America, very resilient and decorative look. The tree is low and slender. The needles are short, the buds are resinous. The species is winter-hardy and drought-resistant, but does not tolerate urban conditions.

Subalpine fir promising for central Russia and the Black Earth Region. It grows wild in Alaska, where it lives high in the mountains. The tree grows very slowly, reaching 20 m in height by the age of 200 years. The buds are resinous, the needles are relatively long, up to 4 cm. The species is unpretentious in cultivation.

There is a dwarf form - “Compacta”, which is used when growing in containers.

Sakhalin fir
Sakhalin fir

Sakhalin fir found in the south of Sakhalin and Kuril Islands on wooded mountains. It is used in landscaping in the middle latitudes of Russia. The tree is very decorative. Regular conical shape, smooth bark, soft blunt needles - these are the main parameters of its appearance. Produces seeds well. The cones are ellipsoid, up to 7 cm in length. The seeds are yellow or brown with a purple wing. It is moisture-loving, frost-resistant, although the needles freeze slightly during spring frosts, and is unpretentious in cultivation.

Propagation of fir trees by seeds and cuttings

The main method of propagation of fir is by seeds. The cones ripen in the year of flowering, in early autumn (September). They must be collected as soon as a subtle separation of the scales begins, otherwise they will crack and fall off.

Sow seeds better in spring after a month's stratification. When sowing, the soil should be warmed up, which increases seed germination and will allow you to avoid spring frosts.

Seedlings need mandatory shade, otherwise sunburn will destroy them. An equally important operation for caring for seedlings is mulching the soil, which will protect the weak root system from overheating and save it from being overgrown by weeds.

Seedlings are kept in one place for 3 years. Then they are transplanted at the very beginning of autumn into ridges for growing, giving a feeding area of ​​15 x 20 cm. The seedlings are transplanted so that they have time to take root before winter.

After another 3-4 years, fir can be planted on permanent place necessarily with a clod of earth in early spring or early autumn.

Possibly vegetative propagation- cuttings and layering. These methods are very labor-intensive, but they allow you to fully preserve the individual characteristics of plants.

When propagating garden forms, the vegetative method, in particular by cuttings, is preferable.

The best cuttings for propagating fir are lateral annual shoots 7-10 cm long with small apical buds from branches of the 2nd-3rd order. They are cut off from the “heel” or broken out. Cuttings are harvested in early spring during the period of spring sap flow. Planted in sand to a depth of 1.5 cm, sprayed regularly, covered with polyethylene and placed in a shaded place. In the first 2-3 weeks, this regime is maintained. Periodic ventilation is necessary, but without drafts. Roots form in 2-3 months.

In nature, fir easily reproduces both by seeds and vegetatively (by layering). The seeds quickly germinate even when self-seeding, and the lower branches, in contact with the ground, take root, producing numerous layerings. They grow in the form of elfin wood when the connection with the mother plant is lost.

Decorative forms of fir are propagated by cuttings taken only from young plants.

Growing conditions and care for fir trees

All firs grow well in open areas as single trees or in groups. They are demanding on soil and air humidity. Frost-resistant, cannot tolerate burning and smog in urban conditions. Firs are more demanding than other conifers in terms of growing conditions. They are light-loving and only tolerate shade when young. Soils prefer clay-sandy, moderately moist, rich nutrients and cannot tolerate high groundwater levels.

One of important conditions growing fir - a place protected from the winds and fresh air, since these trees do not tolerate gas pollution and smoke at all and are better suited for suburban summer cottages.

Firs are light-loving plants. In dense and shaded plantings they are not very decorative. The typical shape of a fir crown will be formed only in open areas.

It is not necessary to form a fir crown during the growth process, but it is necessary to ensure that the seedlings do not have two tops. If there are two tops, which is possible if the top is broken or damaged by pests, the weaker one must be removed, and the sooner the better.

Fir-based recipes have been used since ancient times for youth, beauty and health. Needles, resin, bark and fir oil help cope with inflammation in the body. Fir is rich in essential oils and tannins, as well as vitamins. Its drugs are used to improve the appearance and health of skin and hair, reduce the symptoms of ARVI, and as a remedy for pain in muscles and joints. The oil of this plant is used not only for health, but also for furniture. The beneficial properties of fir are known very widely throughout the world.

What kind of plant is this

Fir is an evergreen coniferous tree with soft, dense needles. Fir leaves are not as hard as those of pine or even spruce. They are flat and very soft.

Externally, fir is similar to spruce, only much taller - some trees grow above forty meters. The trunk diameter is 40-60 centimeters.

Like branches, they start from the ground itself. The tree has a pyramidal shape.

The root system of fir is quite developed and consists of one main root, which goes deep into the ground for several meters, and several additional roots near the surface of the earth. This arrangement of the root system makes the tree incredibly resistant to weather conditions.

Thin and smooth, it has small thickenings in which fir resin or resin is produced. Moreover, fir is the only coniferous tree that does not have resin and resin passages inside its trunk. Resin is produced exclusively in the bark.

Fir cones, like the leaves, are slightly different from the cones of other coniferous trees. Firstly, their location on top of the branches is slightly different from the location of pine or spruce cones. And also the cones that ripen do not just fall off, but partially. The stem of the pine cone remains on the branch while the seeds fall to the ground.

Fir seeds have wings so that they can be carried far by the wind. Fir also has the ability to reproduce using shoots in a vegetative manner.

This is a very dry tree, so it is better not to light a fire near fir trees.

Types of fir

There are several types of fir that differ in appearance, size and some properties. The main ones are the following:

1. Balsam has short needles, half-bent and as if “protruding” upward. On the branches, a clear parting can be seen in the needles. Trees have a height of 7 to 15 meters depending on the variety, location and conditions environment.
2. European is a relatively short tree with short soft needles, reaching a height of 2 meters after a couple of years of growth. The maximum height is about 10 meters. The beneficial properties of fir needles of this type make it possible to use it in the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations.
3. Noble is a tree that grows very tall in natural conditions, but grows as bushes in a cultivated environment. It is distinguished by thick comb-like needles with a bluish tint and large cylindrical cones. Some varieties of noble fir have distinct blue needles.
4. Vicha fir reaches 40 meters in height. It grows slowly, has oblique, comb-like, short needles and resinous purple buds.
5. Koreana is a relatively tall coniferous tree, the height of which can reach more than 20 meters in the wild. It also grows slowly. It is characterized by short, rounded needles and small buds, almost not impregnated with resin. It has many subspecies and varieties.
6. The Caucasian is very tall. Some trees grow above fifty meters. Fir is characterized by very dark green needles that quickly fall from the branches, leaving them half naked.
7. Monochromatic - a tree with bluish-green needles. The leaves are curved upward, like umbrellas, quite long and thick. Some varieties are blue or yellow-green in color. The beneficial properties of fir needles of this type are also taken into account in the manufacture of certain medications.
8. Whitebark is a plant with light bark and dark green shiny needles. In the wild it reaches about twenty meters in height. It grows most often in temperate climate or subtropical. It can be found in the Far East, China or South Korea.
9. Sakhalinskaya is a tall tree with thick but not long needles. The leaves are round, soft, dark green.
10. The beneficial properties of Siberian fir are known far beyond the borders of Siberia. This is a very tall tree with soft coniferous leaves and small resinous buds. The bark, buds and leaves of this tree species are very fragrant. Contains a lot of essential oil.
11. Alpine is a long and narrow tree, reaching more than fifty meters in height. It has very light bark and bluish-green comb-like needles.
12. Black - a tree with very dark bark and light yellow-green needles. It contains a lot of oils and tannins, so it is fragrant. Widely known beneficial features fir branches. Contraindications for using branches in bath brooms are the same as for visiting a bathhouse.

Where does fir grow?

Fir is a hardy tree that tolerates frost, cold, heat, bright sun and shadow. Many species are demanding of air humidity, but too much soil moisture has a detrimental effect on the tree. It grows well in the wild and does not take root well in big cities.

Firs are most often found in North America, as well as in Russia in Western Siberia, in China and Korea.

There are species that grow on the Pacific islands closer to Australia, as well as on the shores of Mediterranean Sea in Greece, Croatia, Albania and even Italy.

Useful properties of fir

Fir is very often used in medicinal purposes: resin, cones, pine needles, bark and branches.

Fir branches are rich in vitamin C, and needles have amazing ability remove harmful substances from the body: heavy metals and salts. Also, flavonoids in pine needles have bactericidal beneficial properties.

Indications for the use of fir are diseases of the upper respiratory tract, decoctions and inhalations help well with acute respiratory viral infections, colds, and bronchitis. Also, decoctions and infusions of branches and pine needles are used as an immunostimulant. But there are some contraindications.

The beneficial properties of fir needles are also important for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Fir oil and infusion of cones are used to treat joint pain, especially in old age.

Fir needles have beneficial properties. Inhalation recipes are often beneficial not only for breathing, but also calm the nervous system.

Medicinal forms of the plant

In medicine, fir oil is mainly used, which is a transparent, colorless or light yellow liquid with a characteristic resinous odor. The oil is contained in fir paws and young branches, which serve as the main healing raw materials. Camphor, which is used for heart failure, is extracted from the oil. Fir also has beneficial properties for joints and muscles, as well as for normalizing the respiratory tract.

The resin that is collected from the bark of trees is also used for medicinal purposes. It is mixed with boar or bear bile and used for stomach diseases. For healing baths and inhalations, branches are prepared that are characterized by high bactericidal activity. For example, fir branches brought into a room make the air almost sterile.

Fir for the treatment of respiratory diseases

Fir essential oil is indicated for various diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such as:

• rhinitis, sinusitis;
• tonsillitis;
• bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• cough of various etiologies;
• ARVI.

Inhalations help reduce inflammation and swelling of the upper respiratory tract, which significantly alleviates the patient’s condition after the first use.

They also alleviate the condition of pronounced dryness of the laryngeal mucosa, which occurs as a result of chronic diseases of the nasopharynx.

How to inhale with fir oil

In order to carry out the procedure, you need to heat a small amount of water in a convenient container. There should be about a liter of water. You should add about five drops of fir essential oil to it and breathe in the steam emanating from the container for 20 minutes. To enhance the effect, you can cover yourself with a blanket or towel.

Afterwards you need to drink a glass of milk or tea with honey and lie down to rest.

Treatment of the upper respiratory tract

The following recipe will help with a sore throat. Half a teaspoon of salt should be dissolved in one hundred grams of alcohol. Grind fresh fir needles and pour about one spoon of the resulting mixture. The composition must be infused for a week in a dark and cool place, shaking every day. Then you need to strain it with gauze or a sieve. The resulting mixture is used for inhalation, adding to hot water in a ratio of one to ten.

For bronchitis and pulmonary diseases there will be effective application inside the next composition. One tablespoon of crushed fir bark (which can be purchased at a pharmacy) should be poured into a glass cold water and bring to a boil, then cook for about seven minutes. The broth should be infused for an hour, and then water should be added to a volume of two hundred milliliters. The composition should be taken four times a day on an empty stomach (strictly before meals) fifty grams at a time.

Treatment of joint pain

Fir oil is rich in beneficial and healing properties. This is a very good helper for alleviating joint and muscle diseases.

1. Camphor - has a pronounced analgesic effect, as well as a natural antiseptic.
2. Bornyl acetate is an ester that gives the oil a specific pine smell. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, soothing.

Fir oil is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which the body absorbs when applied externally directly through the pores of the skin. This helps to improve the condition of a damaged or diseased joint and restore it.

Thanks to correct use, the beneficial properties of fir and composition recipes will allow you to get back on your feet even with severe pain. Here are some recipes:

1. Fir baths for arthrosis. Add to the bowl with warm water a little decoction of fir needles or make a solution of water and fir oil in a ratio of 10 drops of oil per liter of water and warm your feet or hands in the solution for about 15 minutes.
2. You can first warm up the joints with a blue lamp, bags of salt, a heating pad, and then rub fir oil into the affected areas.
3. Massage is also helpful. You need to add fir essential oil to the base oil. Do not use in pure form.
4. Fill a half-liter glass bottle one third with turpentine, one third with sunflower oil with ten drops of fir oil, and another third with alcohol. You can also add a little camphor to the solution. You can rub your joints with this mixture every evening before going to bed, and then wrap them in something warm or cover them with a blanket.

Strengthening the immune system

Fir also contains substances that strengthen and improve immunity. Fir needles are especially rich in vitamins, antioxidants and other components beneficial to the body.

To improve your immune system, you can make the following cocktail: pour about five tablespoons of fresh pine needles into two glasses hot water at night, and in the morning strain and drink throughout the day, a couple of sips at a time.

In spring, immunity also decreases due to a lack of vitamins. A decoction prepared according to the following recipe will help cope with vitamin deficiency. Pour two tablespoons of dry fir needles with a glass of boiling water. Steam in a water bath for about 20 minutes. Then leave to infuse for about an hour. Take during the day after meals, dividing the contents into three parts. This drink will saturate the body with vitamins and increase resistance to various viral strains.

If you do not like the specific taste of fir decoction, then you can try making an aromatic mixture to boost immunity. To do this you will need:

• fir oil;
• rosemary oil;
• geranium oil;

To the base (the base can be any vegetable oil you like, flaxseed or corn are often used), add two drops of fir oil, one drop of rosemary oil and one drop of geranium. The resulting mixture can be used for massage, as well as for aromatherapy. An aromatherapy session should last about 20 minutes.

Fir for cleansing the body

Fir decoction also has medicinal properties for youth. To rejuvenate the body, first of all, you need to cleanse it. Vitamin C, which is large quantities Contained in young fir needles, it promotes the oxidation of toxins and their rapid removal from the body. The needles also have a mild diuretic and antiseptic effect.

To cleanse the body, you can prepare a preparation for external and internal use in a comprehensive manner. Firstly, you can take a bath enriched with fir decoction every day before bed. This has a beneficial effect on both circulatory system, and on the nervous, calming and promoting good sleep. Through the pores, the skin is also saturated with vitamins and flavonoids.

Fir decoction is prepared as follows. Pour boiling water over five to six tablespoons and leave overnight. Then add the decoction to the bath or drink it in small portions throughout the day.

The cleansing course should last at least two weeks. It is not possible to cleanse the body in one day.

For skin beauty

Fir components are often used in the preparation of masks and face creams, as they have many beneficial properties:

• reduce inflammatory processes on the skin;
• relieve swelling;
• smooth out wrinkles;
• help improve metabolic processes in the skin.

To reduce the severity of acne and inflammation, you can wash your face with a fir decoction prepared according to the same principle as the decoction for oral administration. You can also make ice cubes from the broth to wipe your face. This will not only even out skin tone and reduce swelling and inflammation, but also promote face lifting and cleansing.

To smooth out wrinkles around the eyes, use fir oil added to a light base, such as peach or grape seed oil. Add two to three drops of fir oil to a few tablespoons of base oil and gently apply to the skin around the eyes.

You can also make a mask that will restore your facial skin after sleepless night, smooth out wrinkles and remove swelling. Per tablespoon olive oil add one drop of fir oil, one drop of lemon and a couple of drops of rosemary. Mix and massage onto face, avoiding the eye area. Leave for about 15 minutes and rinse with water at room temperature.

For hair beauty

Fir oil has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, as it contains a lot active substances in the composition, and also helps improve blood circulation.

Fir has the ability to:

• cure dandruff using antiseptics in the composition;
• help in the treatment of hair loss;
• improve the condition of the scalp, make it smooth and healthy;
• normalize the functioning of the scalp sebaceous glands.

The oil can be added to ready-made balms, masks and hair conditioners, which enhances their beneficial properties. Fir needles are indicated for use in decoctions that can be used to rinse your hair to enhance shine and give an antistatic effect.

You can also make your own masks and balms using the following recipes.

Hair masks with fir oil

Anti-dandruff. To prepare you will need:

• green clay;

Dilute a couple of tablespoons of green clay with water and add 3 drops of fir essential oil to the resulting pulp. Stir. This mask should be rubbed into the scalp for twenty minutes. It helps get rid of dandruff very quickly short term. After a couple of procedures, the severity of dandruff spots will decrease significantly, and after a month of use they will not remain at all.

Another effective anti-dandruff mask based on burdock oil. You will need:

• Burr oil;
• lemon juice.

You need to mix burdock oil and lemon juice in a ratio of 1 to 1 and add 10 drops of fir essential oil to the resulting mixture. Apply the resulting composition to the scalp, actively massaging it. Cover your head and leave the mask on for an hour. Then rinse thoroughly.

To strengthen your hair, you can make a mask of onion and honey with fir oil. You will need the following ingredients:

• liquid bee honey;
• juice made from grated onion (the fresher the better);

Mix two teaspoons of honey with 3 drops of fir oil, and then add a teaspoon of onion juice. Stir until mushy and homogeneous. Rub into hair roots. The mask should be kept on the hair for more than half an hour, wrapping the head in plastic or cling film and covering with a towel or cap. It fights hair loss well, and also nourishes it along its entire length, saturating it with vitamins and nutrients. All this happens thanks to the beneficial properties of fir.

Contraindications for use

Fir-based preparations should not be used if you:

• pregnant;
• suffer from acute pyelonephritis or have renal failure;
• have a stomach ulcer or gastritis in the acute stage.

Use fir preparations with caution, especially essential oil, if you are prone to allergic reactions. Before use, test by applying a little oil to your skin.

When using oil, bark or using the beneficial properties of fir needles, contraindications should also be taken into account.