Russia's vast forested landscapes are home to a diverse array of tree species, with several dominating the land cover.
Major Tree Species in Russian Forests
According to information from UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), a significant portion of Russia's forests is comprised of a few key species. These major species collectively make up approximately 90% of the entire forested area of the Russian Federation.
The predominant tree species found in Russia include:
- Larch: Known for its cold hardiness, common in Siberia.
- Pine: Widespread across various regions.
- Siberian Pine: Also known as Siberian cedar, valued for its nuts and timber.
- Spruce: Found in boreal forests.
- Oak: More common in the European part of Russia.
- Beech: Also primarily in the European regions.
- Birch: A ubiquitous and iconic Russian tree.
- Aspen: Fast-growing, often found in mixed forests.
- And others, making up the remaining percentage.
To illustrate the prominence of these species, here is a summary based on the reference:
| Tree Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Larch | Dominant in vast Siberian areas |
| Pine | Common throughout the country |
| Siberian Pine | Important for timber and nuts |
| Spruce | Key component of taiga |
| Oak | Found primarily in European Russia |
| Beech | Present in European Russia |
| Birch | Widespread and culturally significant |
| Aspen | Common in deciduous and mixed forests |
| Other species | Constitute the remaining forest cover (%) |
These species, particularly larch, pine, spruce, and birch, define the characteristic appearance of Russia's immense taiga and mixed forests. This information is based on data regarding Russian forests published by UNECE.
