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If we consider trees from a decorative point of view, then it is impossible to ignore such species as thuja and cypress. These trees, as a rule, are used as a decorative hedge, with their help they decorate the facades of buildings and structures. It is important to understand that there are such species that have the maximum similarity, as a result of which it is sometimes difficult to understand how exactly thuja differs from cypress.
What is the Difference Between Cypress and Thuja
To understand the differences between cypress and thuja, it is recommended to compare biological traits. As a rule, this applies to buds:
- thuja cones are oblong in shape, they have several pairs of scales, which are located crosswise;
- cypress cones are spherical in shape, while they have multifaceted scales made of scales.
It is also worth taking into account the location of the needles, since it is located in different planes near the cypress with a pronounced ethereal smell, and in one of the thuja, with a rather bright sweetish smell.
In addition, it is important to understand that these cultures differ in their medicinal properties. For example, thuja has an antibacterial effect, helps to optimize blood circulation, relieves inflammation and spasms. The second type of tree oil allows you to fight stress, it is actively used to treat bronchitis.
Differences between cypress and thuja in the place of growth
These plants are quite close relatives, with the exception of a preference for climatic conditions. Thuja prefers to grow in cool zones, which is why it is grown mainly in the middle lane. Cypress prefers the subtropics.
If we consider the natural habitat of thuja, then it is worth noting that the species is predominantly located in the southeastern part of Canada and in the northern part of the United States. In addition, trees can be found on the western side of Anticosti Island. It can also be found in New York, Tennessee, and Minnesota.
The natural place of growth of cypress is the territory of Sakhalin, Crimea, China, America, the Caucasus, as well as the Black Sea coast.
How to visually distinguish thuja from cypress
Thuja is an evergreen coniferous plant belonging to the Cypress family. All thuja shoots are covered with needles in the form of small needles. In the spring period, the shoots become a rich green hue, closer to autumn the color becomes much darker, during the cold season it is brown. The visual difference in this case lies in the flowering. Thus, the male spikelets of thuja are located in the lower part of the tree and have a brown-yellow tint. Female spikelets are much lighter and are located in the upper part. Thuja blooms before the growth of young shoots, after which oval-shaped cones appear.
Cypress is a prominent representative of decorative conifers. This type is actively used in landscape design. It is important to understand what cypress and thuja look like in shade, needles and shoots, very similar. The difference is that the cones are not oval, but round.
Which is better - cypress or thuja
It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer and say which will be better. Each species is good in its own way, has an attractive appearance. In this case, everyone should choose what they like, taking into account the differences.
Thuja. An excellent option for decorating sites that have a lack of lighting.Most often used as a hedge. The difference is that this variety can grow on swampy and peaty soils, on which, as a rule, most cultivated plants cannot grow. In natural conditions, the height of a thuja can reach 25 m. The crown has a narrow pyramidal shape, which eventually becomes oval.
Cypress is one of the most popular ornamental types used to decorate hedges. Typically planted in gardens and parks. Due to the presence of small varieties, if necessary, it can be used as an ornamental indoor plant.
Features of care for thuja and cypress
If we consider the differences in care between thuja and cypress, then all procedures will be basically the same. Since in both cases, proper and high-quality care is needed.
After the planting material has been planted in open ground, the following work will be required:
- watering the crop - watering should be frequent and moderate, the soil should not be swampy and very dry;
- loosening is carried out after each soil irrigation;
- the removal of weeds is an important point that needs to be given due attention. This is due to the fact that weeds all nutrients are taken from the soil, as a result of which the planting material develops very poorly;
- application of dressings - in this case, you can use combined mineral fertilizers and organic matter, which will allow the plantings to grow much faster;
- before the onset of the first cold weather, it is necessary to take care of the shelter, which will prevent the freezing of young shoots.
Conclusion
Thuja differs from cypress not only in the place of growth, but also in appearance. The difference lies mainly in the shape of the bumps. If you understand what exactly to pay attention to, then you can quite easily distinguish between the two types visually.
