9Th International Scientific Conference WoodEma 2016
THE PATH FORWARD FOR WOOD PRODUCTS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
FASTIGIATA URALICA – A NEW DECORATIVE FORM OF SIBERIAN SPRUCE (PICEA OBOVATA LEDEB.) FOR LANDSCAPING
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Zalesov S.; Opletaev A.; Pryadilina N.; Damary R.
ABSTRACT In this paper the authors describe the shapes of Siberian spruce used for landscaping in the Russian Federation, with focus on an attractive new decorative form of Siberian spruce (genus Picea). Spruce are suitable both for avenue planting and also for landscaping. Considerable interest has been generated in the territory of Sverdlovsk region for new form of spruce with a unique combination of columnar crown and drooping spiral branching. The appearance is similar to the cypress. A columnar crown has great potential in landscape architecture. The authors propose naming it as a reflection of the crown, the place of discovery and the name of the discoverer: Siberian spruce 'Fastigiata Uralica’ (picea obovata ledeb var 'Fastigiata Uralica' Opletaev). Once large-scale cultivation of Siberian spruce 'Fastigiata Uralica’ is achieved, (and the research team itself will undertake this) the tree will be brought to the market for landscaping usage. In the paper are also discussed the economic aspects of the potential market, including branding. Keywords: Siberian spruce, columnar crown shape, drooping branch shape, spiral branching, Picea obovata Ledeb. 'Fastigiata Uralica' Opletaev, economic aspects of landscape design.
1. INTRODUCTION Enhancing the welfare of the population includes meeting the desire of citizens to improve the environment. In this context much attention is paid to landscaping. However, the creation an aesthetically appealing landscape is difficult owing to the limited range of tree species suitable for the harsh climatic conditions. Foresters, both in Russia and abroad, are seeking to expand the range of woody plants by the introduction of exotics, as well as the selection of decorative forms of local flora species [Zalesov, Platonov, Gusev, 2011; Kozhevnikov, 2013; Krekova, Dancheva, Zalesov, 2015]. Particular attention is paid to conifers, which lend themselves to decorative year-round landscaping. The most attractive in this respect are the various species of the genus Picea [Alexandrov, 2010].
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS The range of woody plants in the taiga zone is rather limited. This is due primarily to the harsh climatic conditions, which limit the appearance and natural growth of thermophilic species. Expanding biodiversity in these conditions can be achieved only by systematic work on the introduction of plants and the identification of promising species and forms. Indicators for assessing the viability of plants and prospects for their cultivation are typically:
The most successful methods for evaluating the prospects of woody plants are the methods of the Main Botanical Garden [Kupriyanov, 2004], as well as a modified version of the proposed Gusev et al [Gusev, 2009].
3. COMMON FORMS OF SPRUCE IN RUSSIA
The various forms of decorative fir trees (spruce) have long been widely used in landscaping. The species shows significant polymorphism – there are about 130 natural and garden forms of European spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.). The decorative forms include: columnar, pyramidal, weeping and subramose. Diverse dwarf forms are found with a cushion, spherical and hemispherical, and with a cone-shaped, as well as pyramidal crown. Not all forms are used in Russia and especially in the Urals. For landscaping Russian cities the most popular decorative spruce varieties with their weeping form and various original crowns are: (Figure 1):
Figure 1. From left to right: Norway spruce 'Acroсona' , Norway spruce 'Virgata' (snake), Norway spruce 'Cranstonii'′
Figure 2. From left to right: spruce 'Pendula Major', spruce 'Frohburg', Norway spruce 'Formanek'
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Dwarf forms of Norway spruce are widely used in landscape compositions, both in single and in group form. Using dwarf forms improves the aesthetic appeal of ornamental plantings, especially the lower tiers. Often their use in city gardening is difficult because of the low resistance to most forms of air pollution.
In Russia the common dwarf forms of Norway spruce are:
'Barryi' (P. abies 'Barryi'),
'Push' (P. abies 'Push'),
'Will's Zwerg ' (P. abies 'Will's Zwerg').
Also widely used in landscaping are the dwarf forms of Norway spruce known as:
'Little Gem' (P. abies 'Little Gem'),
'Pumila Glauca ' (P. abies 'Pumila Glauca'),
'Tabuliformis ' (P. abies Tabuliformis' ) and other (Figure 3).
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Figure 3. From left to right: Norway spruce 'Barryi', Norway spruce 'Tompa',
Norway spruce 'Will's Zwerg'
Of particular note is a dwarf form, which is well established in the Urals - the spruce 'Nidiformis' (nestlike) (Picea abies 'Nidiformis'), with a cushion-shape crown and centre (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Norway spruce 'Nidiformis' (nestlike) (Picea abies 'Nidiformis')
Siberian spruce has only two described forms - blue Siberian spruce (P. obovata var. Coerulea Malyshev) and Pechorian spruce (P. obovata ssp. petchorica Govor), neither of which are of interest for gardening.