Irga: the best varieties, care and reproduction. "from bark to berries", or what are the useful properties of irga Irga bush or tree

Irgu has been cultivated in our latitudes for over 100 years. However, this plant has not taken root in gardens and cottages. It is grown only by enthusiastic gardeners. However, this is undeserved, since irga is very useful for the human body. What valuable substances are contained in the fruits of this plant and what health problems can be solved with their regular use, you will learn from our article.

plant history

North America is considered to be the birthplace of the irgi. Presumably, she was first brought to Asia Minor, and then came to Siberia. Already from there it spread throughout Europe, where it began to be planted from the 16th century. In Russia, irgu began to be cultivated since the 19th century. There, the famous biologist Ivan Michurin was mainly engaged in it, planting it on the territory of the whole of Russia.

The spread of shadberry around the world is attributed to birds, which became carriers of seeds and delivered them even to Africa. Today, the plant is grown in gardens for the purpose of eating, and also as an ornamental crop - in Canada and the USA, its bushes are planted on lawns near houses, in squares as decoration.

Previously, the Slavs used the fruits of the plant willingly. Then they noticed their healing properties. Firstly, berries allowed to satisfy hunger. And secondly, they helped for a long time not to get sick with colds and other diseases. Also in those days, they began to prepare remedies from the bark and leaves of the plant. Today, after analyzing the chemical composition of the fruits, leaves and bark of the shadberry, we have confirmation of the healing qualities of the fruit shrub and an idea of which organs and systems it can be useful for.

Description

Irga is a shrub or a low tree, the trunk of which reaches a height of 6 m. The plant belongs to the pink family. Irgi has dark green dense leaves of a rounded or ovoid shape. Flowering occurs in April-May.

The plant produces inflorescences in the form of corymbose brushes with 10-12 small flowers of white or milky color. After the flowers fall, small spherical, oval or pear-shaped berries of dark blue, blue-black color with a bluish bloom are formed. Their size is 0.6-1 cm. Weight - 0.35 g.

Irga bears fruit from three to four years of age. With proper care, her fruiting is plentiful. Happens annually. Edible fruits ripen in July - August, can hang on a tree until October. Plants that are 10-20 years old bring a crop of 5-10 tons per hectare.

The tree grows for about 40 years. It is characterized by unpretentiousness, winter hardiness, medium heat resistance, photophilous.

Did you know? Irga among different peoples has special names. So, in Russia it is called cinnamon, sea buckthorn, wine berry, in Germany - rock pear, in Italy - willow delicacy.

Variety of species

There are 25 species of shadberry that grow in Europe, North America, North Africa, China, Japan, the Caucasus, and the Crimean Peninsula.
The most common of them are ordinary, round-leaved, spiky, Canadian, alder-leaved, blood-red. They differ in the shape and size of the crown, height, but they all have similar fruits.

Did you know? Philologists suggest that the name irga came from the Mongolian languages and is translated as a shrub with very hard wood. And the scientific Latin name - Amelánchier - is of Celtic origin. It indicates the honey taste of the berries.

Useful composition of berries

As we have already noted, people have noticed for a long time that irgi berries can be beneficial. Let's look at their composition in more detail. So, 100 g of fruits contain 40 g, which is 44.4% of the required daily allowance for a person.

They also include vitamins, sugars, pectin, dietary fiber, phytosterols, organic acids, flavonols. The leaves and bark contain tannins and stearic substances.

Benefit for health

The composition of the fruits, leaves and bark of the shadberry also determines the value of this product for the human body.
They have the following properties:

restorative;
tonic;
wound healing;
astringent;
hypotensive;
cardiotonic;
bactericidal;
anti-inflammatory.

Regular use of irgi leads to a decrease in blood pressure, strengthening of the walls of blood vessels, their greater elasticity. The berry has a beneficial effect on the activity of the cardiovascular system.

This is an excellent prophylactic against myocardial infarction and varicose veins, beriberi and atherosclerosis, thrombosis and peptic ulcer, the occurrence of cancerous tumors. It normalizes sleep, treats intestinal disorders.
It can be used as an astringent and enveloping agent. Irga helps with problems with the oral mucosa, inflammation of the throat. Means from berries help to heal wounds faster, including purulent ones.

In addition, irga is a powerful antioxidant. With its help, you can cleanse the body of toxic substances, radionuclides. The systematic eating of berries can reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.

Pectins in the composition of fruits improve appetite, improve the activity of the digestive tract. Riboflavin takes part in metabolic processes, has a beneficial effect on the organs of vision.

Doctors advise older people to eat more irgi fruits as a multivitamin natural remedy and a storehouse of vitamin P, a substance whose content in sufficient quantities helps to avoid the development of many diseases that are characteristic of people over 60 years old.

Irga can be eaten by almost everyone, if there are no contraindications. With only carbohydrates and only 45 kcal, but at the same time perfectly satisfying hunger, berries are perfect for those who are worried about their weight.
With proper use of irg juice mixed with currant, you can get rid of up to four kilos per week.

Harm or contraindications

Despite the useful composition, fruits and products based on leaves, flowers and bark can not be consumed by everyone.

prone to hypotension;
having individual intolerance;
suffering from allergic reactions.

Since irga has a sedative effect, it is undesirable to use it immediately before driving a car. There may be a decrease in concentration and depression of the nervous system. Berries should be consumed in moderation, since excessive eating of them can provoke undesirable reactions of the body.

Application

Irgi fruits are used in cooking and folk medicine. Traditional healers also prepare remedies from the bark, leaves and flowers. In addition, healthy tea is brewed from them.

berries

The fruits are eaten, they are used to make jam, marshmallow, jelly, jam, wine. Compotes and kissels are made from dry berries. They give drinks a beautiful color. To preserve the fruits for use in the winter, they can be frozen or dried.

The juice from the shadberry can be drunk both to quench thirst and for medicinal purposes. Juice is prepared in two ways: with and without added sugar.

With sugar. Add a glass of granulated sugar to the squeezed liter of juice, heat until it dissolves.

Important! Any remedy from irgi, which is drunk systematically for therapeutic purposes, can only be used as an additional therapy. It should not be used as a substitute for medications.

Jam. The selected berries, separated from the pericarp, are blanched for two minutes in boiling water. Pass through a colander. Sugar syrup (60%) is prepared, berries are placed in it, put on low heat and brought to a boil. Insist throughout the night. Then bring to a boil over low heat again. Add citric acid (1 g / 1 l). Arranged in pre-sterilized jars. Roll up lids. For one kilo of berries you will need 0.3-0.4 kg of granulated sugar.

Bark, leaves and flowers

The bark for medicinal purposes is harvested from the end of spring. Its most valuable property is anti-inflammatory. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from the bark. The decoction is advised to use for problems with the gastrointestinal tract, including to eliminate diarrhea.

Also rinse your mouth with a decoction for stomatitis, sore throat, gingivitis. It is prepared from a teaspoon of crushed raw materials and a glass of boiling water. Simmer in a water bath for 20 minutes. For a quick effect, the rinsing procedure should be carried out three times a day.

From the flowers prepare a means to normalize blood pressure. A tablespoon of flowers is poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted for an hour. Before being used for medicinal purposes, it is passed through gauze. Drink half a glass three times a day. The recommended time is half an hour before meals.

A decoction is made from the leaves for external use. They wash the wounds for speedy healing. Also used for rinsing the mouth and throat. Leaves are crushed. Two tablespoons are placed in two cups of boiling water. Insist in a closed and wrapped container for half an hour.
In case of disorders of the digestive system, diarrhea, a decoction is prepared from the leaves and bark: pour a tablespoon of crushed raw materials with boiling water, boil for half an hour. Pass through gauze before use. Drink four times a day for a tablespoon.

Important! Self-medication can lead to worsening of the condition and aggravation of the disease. Before using folk remedies, you should consult your doctor.

Breeding

The plant is propagated in several ways:

seed;
vaccination;
cuttings;
layering;
dividing the bush.

Irgi species can be bred by seed and vegetative methods, and varietal specimens - only vegetatively. The seed method is the easiest. You can simply remove the seeds from the fruit and plant them in the ground, watering abundantly and putting mulch.
So they prostratify during the winter, and in the spring the seedlings can be planted. Seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place when they are three years old. Irga is a tasty and valuable berry. Its regular use fresh, in teas, preserves, jam helps to solve many health problems.

Specially prepared decoctions, infusions from leaves, flowers, and bark also have a medicinal effect. However, it should be understood that such treatment can only be additional. Before starting it, you should get the approval of the attending physician.

Presumably irga is a Mongolian name meaning "hardwood tree". In its natural environment, irga is common on almost all continents of the temperate zone. Korinka (the second name of irgi) is a medicinal plant, and everything is useful in it: from bark to berries.

Why is irga so useful

Due to its composition, irga has a lot of useful properties. So, this plant contains: pectins, mono- and disaccharides, organic acids (malic), B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin P, tannins, flavonols, sterols and fiber. Complement this list and useful trace elements (lead, cobalt, copper).

Irga practically does not contain proteins and fats, only carbohydrates (up to 12 g per 100 g of product), and its energy value is only 45 kcal per 100 g of product. This makes the plant useful for people wishing to lose weight. Juice from shadberry and red currant, with proper nutrition and regular use, reduces weight up to four kg per week. To do this, you need to mix the juices in a ratio of one to one and consume every day (one glass after a meal).

The plant contains a large amount of carotene, which, together with ascorbic acid, is a strong natural antioxidant. These substances strengthen the immune system, relieve symptoms of diseases associated with electromagnetic radiation, increase resistance to infectious diseases and stress, and dispel depression.

Antioxidants have a negative effect on cancer cells, and their constant use plays the role of a prophylactic vaccination against tumors. These same substances help in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease - severe damage to the nervous system.

Pectins contribute to the removal of salts of heavy metals, toxins, radionuclides from the body, destroy cholesterol plaques. The irga tree is a pantry of useful properties. Its components thin the blood, clean the walls of blood vessels, prevent the occurrence of blood clots and other vascular pathologies, and also improve heart function.

Did you know? Irga, as an ornamental plant, was known as far back as the 16th century. It was planted in parks, gardens and alleys, using it as a living fence. The strong stems of this tree were used for the production of canes and ramrods.

Useful properties of the bark of a berry bush

For medicinal purposes, the bark of the plant is harvested in late spring. The greatest benefit of irgi bark for the human body lies in its anti-inflammatory properties, in addition, it is rich in tannins. Tannins contained in tannins can stop bleeding, bind microorganisms in case of poisoning and help rejuvenate the body at the cellular level.

From the bark make decoctions and infusions that are used to treat gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Tinctures also help with gum problems, stomatitis and gingivitis. They also rinse the mouth with bacterial infections. The healing properties of the bark of shadberry help with ophthalmic problems such as: conjunctivitis, night blindness, cataracts and inflammation of the cornea.

Prescription for the treatment of diarrhea: 1 tsp of dry crushed bark is mixed with 200 ml of water. The decoction is prepared in a water bath. For the treatment of dental diseases: crushed bark (1st l) should be poured with water (200 ml) and boiled for 20 minutes. The broth is insisted for half an hour, and then filtered. The resulting composition should rinse your mouth three times a day.

The use of leaves of irgi for medicinal purposes

The leaves of the irgi tree or bush also have a number of useful properties (they are harvested in late spring). The phytoncides contained in the leaves fight infectious diseases: tonsillitis, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, and the antimicrobial effect is used in the treatment of purulent wounds, open and bleeding, bedsores.

The astringent properties of the leaves help with pancreatitis and diarrhea. An infusion of them is drunk for insomnia, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases.

Young children are prone to infectious diseases, so for less use of artificial antibiotics for coughing, small patients can be given a decoction of shadberry leaves. It has expectorant and mucus thinning action.

Important! Children under two years of age should be given irga in minimal amounts, as it contains many allergens.

Running in the yard, children often injure themselves, and irgi leaves are a good natural antiseptic. Just apply a cotton pad soaked in a decoction to the wound, or immediately clean a fresh leaf of the plant for a while.

Tea from the leaves of irgi has a vitamin and immunity-strengthening effect. Leaf juice has a dietary and weight-reducing effect, moreover, such infusions are also used in cosmetology. Lotions and tonics stop skin aging, tighten pores, cleanse oily skin, restore damaged layers of the epidermis, strengthen nails and hair.

For a rejuvenating effect, you should wipe your face and neck with a decoction of the leaves (preferably twice a day). The composition can be poured into a container with a sprayer and periodically spray the décolleté area.

Recipe recommended for inflammatory processes of the oral cavity or wounds: Dry leaves - 2 tablespoons should be mixed with 200 ml of boiled water and infused for 30 minutes. For diseases of the oral cavity - rinse after eating, for wounds - lubricate with a cotton swab.

How and why to take irgi flowers

It's no secret that pregnant women get sick more often, as the body works for two. Chemicals often harm the unborn baby, and pressure problems, dental, heart and infectious diseases are not uncommon in pregnant women.

Irgi flowers, their medicinal properties will be useful for mothers both in treatment and for prevention. An infusion of flowers lowers blood pressure, has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects. Tea based on flowers is drunk for the prevention of acute respiratory and viral infections.

Decoctions and infusions of flowers are used after chemotherapy in the treatment of oncology, to restore strength. Douching with decoctions helps women with gynecological diseases and cystitis. Decoctions and tinctures relieve the symptoms of thyroid disease.

Baths with irgi flowers with their healing properties tone the skin, remove toxins and other harmful compounds through the pores, making the skin supple and smooth. Lotions from flowers give the face a healthy look. Prescription for pregnant women suffering from hypertension: 2 tablespoons of dried or fresh flowers pour 400 ml of boiling water. Wrap the composition well and leave to brew for several hours, then strain. Take one tablespoon before meals, three times a day.

Important! Irgi flowers have a calming effect and cause drowsiness, so after taking them, you should not immediately drive a car or work with devices that require good concentration.

Medicinal properties of berry berries

The fruits of irgi are actively used in both folk and official medicine. Doctors recommend that elderly patients use berries as a preventive measure for varicose veins, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, as well as to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the whole body.

The berries of the plant are able to remove from the body harmful substances that enter with food from the atmosphere, and cholesterol. Irga and its berries are useful in the treatment of cardiovascular problems, insomnia, nervous disorders, and to smooth out the effects of stress.

Berry juice is taken for gastric and intestinal disorders, as its astringent effect helps with gastritis, relieving inflammation of the stomach walls. Juice has a dietary effect.

Vitamin A, which is rich in berry berries, with constant use prevents the development of cataracts, improves vision. In order to avoid malnutrition and lack of vitamins in diets, it is advisable to drink berry tea. Juice from fresh berries relieves pain symptoms in purulent tonsillitis and stomatitis. Vitamin drink: pour dry fruits with boiling water (1 tablespoon per 200 ml of water) and leave for 30 minutes. Drink half a glass a day after meals.

The use of irgi in cooking

Irga is in demand in cooking, you can cook a lot of tasty and healthy delicacies from it, mostly sweets. Dried berry resembles raisins and is used as a filling for pies, pies and cakes. Crushed irgu is used in the preparation of muffins, casseroles, pancakes and fritters. For desserts and second courses, sauces are prepared with the addition of irgi berries.

Grated fresh berry is good for mousses, soufflés and creams. Jelly, marmalade, marshmallow, sherbet are made from it. Compotes, jelly, fruit drinks and soft drinks are cooked from fresh fruits. Wine and alcoholic tinctures from shadberry have anti-inflammatory properties, they can be impregnated with cake layers.

» Irga

For many centuries, people have been treated with the help of plants. Sometimes we do not even suspect how many useful properties an inconspicuous-looking herb or berry has.

One of these useful plants is irga. Today, a small number of people know about it, but in the Middle Ages it was actively used by healers and healers to prepare various potions. Let's take a closer look at the beneficial properties and contraindications for the use of this unique berry.

Irga belongs to shrub ornamental garden plants of the apple genus, the Rosaceae family. The scientific name of this plant is "amelanchier", which means "honey" in the language of the Celts.. You can also find such a name as "lady", which is more common among the people.

There are almost two dozen different varieties of this plant. It is a tall shrub with deep green leaves. Irgi fruits are red-violet round berries of small size, sweet in taste. They ripen in mid-summer. The average lifespan of this shrub tree is 60 years..

Irga grows in northern Africa, America, central and southern Europe, as well as in Japan. In Russia, the shrub can be found in many regions, but it is most common in the Crimea and the Caucasus..

The composition and beneficial properties of irgi for the human body

Irgi berries are widely used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. They contain many vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on the human body.

Phytosterols, which are part of the berry, have an anti-sclerotic effect, strengthen blood vessels, reduce the fragility and fragility of capillaries and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Thanks to pectins contained in irga, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is restored, appetite improves, toxins and carcinogens are removed from the body. A decoction of these berries also helps relieve stress and fatigue, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system. In addition, irga is an excellent immunomodulator.
Vitamin C helps fight infections, improves metabolism and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
Bioflavonoids (Vitamin P) help maintain normal blood sugar levels, prevent blood clots and support heart function in coronary disease and hypertension.

Vitamin P is very rarely found in food. The game is one of the few plants where this substance is contained in sufficient quantities, and the beneficial effect of the berry on the human body is largely due to the presence of this component.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) actively participates in metabolic processes, normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands and is necessary to maintain normal vision.

Berries are low in calories (43 kcal), due to which they are actively used in weight correction programs.

In folk medicine, not only berries have been used, but also leaves, bark and flowers of shadberry. Decoctions of these components have a wound healing, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect.

Harm and contraindications: who should not use irgu?

The benefits of irgi are obvious, but at the same time, it can harm the human body if used in the following cases:

presence of diabetes(the berry is rich in carbohydrates, which can lead to a sharp increase in blood glucose levels);
obesity(excessive consumption of berries can lead to weight gain);
low blood pressure(the components contained in the fruits help to reduce blood pressure);
prone to skin rashes(irga can cause severe reactions in people with allergies);
low blood clotting(the substances that make up the berry contribute to blood thinning).

In childhood, the use of irgi should not exceed 50 grams per day. otherwise there is a risk of allergy.

You can pick berries away from roads and industrial complexes. Irga has a high ability to absorb toxins and heavy metals.

The use of irgi in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, irga has found wide application. Decoctions, teas and healing infusions are prepared on the basis of the fruits, inflorescences, leaves and bark of this plant.

Apply irgu in the following cases:

heart disease, high blood pressure and varicose veins;
poisoning and diseases of the digestive tract;
high cholesterol in the blood and the presence of cholesterol plaques;
diseases of the nervous system and increased fatigue;
prevention and complex therapy of diseases of the organs of vision;
low vascular patency and increased capillary fragility;
ARI and SARS;
periodontal disease and bleeding gums;
diseases of the bronchopulmonary system;
recovery of the body after illness;
purulent wounds, burns and abrasions.

In these cases, you can eat fresh berries, take irgi juice diluted with water in a 1: 1 ratio, or prepare tinctures. Medicinal teas are prepared from flowers and leaves, and for external use in the treatment of wounds and burns, a compress from a decoction of the bark of the plant is necessary.

Irga helps not only to alleviate the condition in various diseases, but also saturates the body with useful substances, and also has a healing and rejuvenating effect.

When can irga hurt?

Even a healthy person who uses Irga for general strengthening purposes can harm his health if he consumes this product in excess. What can happen in this case?

Among other things, irga has a strong sedative effect. Excessive consumption of juice, tincture or tea can lead to drowsiness, loss of energy and decreased attention.

Also, signs of allergies may appear even in people who have not previously suffered from such manifestations.

When using irgi in combination with dairy and sour-milk products the digestive system is disturbed, which leads to discomfort, bloating and diarrhea.

Children can eat no more than 50 grams of berries per day, the norm for an adult is 100-150 grams.

Recipes for decoctions and teas with leaves and berries

Traditional medicine offers a huge number of ways to prepare medicinal potions based on berries, flowers, leaves or bark of shadberry. If you have health problems or to replenish the balance of beneficial trace elements in the body, you can use one of the recipes.

flower infusion

The tincture is prepared on the basis of vodka, but those who cannot tolerate alcohol can replace it with water. To prepare a remedy, you will need to do the following:

pour into a small saucepan or a liter jar 2-3 tablespoons of dried flowers;
pour 2 glasses of vodka or boiling water;
if alcohol is used you need to infuse the drink for 3 days, in the case of boiling water - wait for cooling, after wrapping the container with tincture;
when the drink is infused, it must be strain.

Tincture is consumed 3 times a day, taking one tablespoon 15-20 minutes before meals.

berry juice

Berry juice can be consumed fresh, diluted with water, or canned. Prepare canned juice in this way:

berries are thoroughly washed and allow excess water to drain;
pound with the help of a pestle to a state of puree;
squeeze juice in a juicer or manually using gauze;
diluted with the juice of a more acidic berry(since irga has a high sugar content, you can add cranberry, cherry or currant juice);
warm up, but do not bring to a boil, and roll hot into jars.

Before proceeding with canning, jars need to be doused with boiling water. Drinking juice is recommended at 50-100 grams before meals.

In case of disorders in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, it is not recommended to drink juice. In these cases, tea from flowers or leaves of shadberry, as well as a decoction of the bark, is suitable.

Berry tincture

To prepare a healing tincture of shadberry berries, you will need a glass jar and high-quality vodka. The drink is prepared in this way:

berries are brought to puree state with the help of a pestle;
jar ¾ fill crushed mass;
pour vodka, leaving unfilled space 3-4 cm from the neck of the vessel;
insist 2-3 days in a dark cool place;
filter and throw away the rest of the berries.

It is better to store this tincture in the cold. It is recommended to take the remedy 3 times a day, a tablespoon before meals.

Leaf based tea

It is better to use fresh leaves for making tea, but in extreme cases, dried leaves are also suitable.

A few leaves of irgi are poured with boiling water and allowed to brew for 15-20 minutes.. You can add 1 teaspoon of natural honey. Flower tea is prepared in the same way.

It is better to drink tea in the evenings, it perfectly calms the nervous system and provides a healthy sound sleep.

A decoction of the bark

The decoction is intended not only for internal, but also for external use. With the help of compresses, festering wounds can be treated, as well as burns can be treated. To prepare the product, you need:

grind the bark using a coffee grinder;
pour into a saucepan 2 tablespoons of the resulting powder and pour 2 cups boiling water;
put the dishes on low heat and boil the remedy for 15-20 minutes;
cool the drink and strain through a sieve or gauze;
add 1 cup cool boiled water.

Take tincture 3-5 times a day for ½ cup. If the product is prepared for external use, it is not necessary to dilute it with water.

Like any medicinal plant, irga can provide invaluable benefits to the human body when used correctly, and can also harm. For this reason, it is necessary to follow the rules for the preparation of therapeutic agents and control their dosage.

Irga is a shade-tolerant and drought-resistant shrub. It can be planted along the fence on any soil, but it develops better on fertile soil with a neutral reaction of the environment.

Irga grows quickly and reaches full productivity at the age of 8-10 years. The average yield of a 10-12-year-old plant is 8-14 kg per bush. Irga is a long-lived fruit shrub, lives up to 60–70 years, the productive period is 20–30 years.

The fruits of the irgi do not ripen simultaneously on the brush. Harvesting is carried out in several steps, as the berries ripen. Berries for fresh consumption can be stored for 2-3 days at room conditions. When stored in a refrigerator at 0 °C, this period is significantly extended.

The fruits are dark purple in color with a thick bluish bloom, sweet and very juicy.

The benefits of irgi for the human body

The fruits of common shadberry and Canadian shadberry are used fresh, dried, they are used to make jam, marshmallow, jelly, jelly, compotes, puddings, wines.

Irgi fruits are a good multivitamin remedy, they are used to treat hypo- and beriberi, for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Fresh fruit juice has astringent properties.

The plant has long been used in folk medicine: juice - for gargling with sore throats, inflammation of the mouth, decoctions of the bark and leaves - as an astringent and enveloping agent for gastrointestinal diseases and the treatment of purulent wounds.

Tincture and infusion of Canadian shadberry flowers are recommended as a means of reducing blood pressure and improving heart function.

Irga is also valued as a beautiful ornamental shrub: many beautiful leaves, abundant flowering and fruiting, as well as the general decorative appearance that the bushes retain from the beginning of the growing season to the end of leaf fall, allow it to be used to decorate gardens and areas around the house.

It tolerates the conditions of constant smoke, therefore it is recommended for landscaping industrial enterprises.

Irgi has a gray, with reddish veins, strong and resilient wood. It is easily polished, goes to the manufacture of canes, ramrods and other small items. The bark and leaves are used in medicine.

Irgi varieties with descriptions and photos

Check also these articles

Irga round-leaved, or ordinary. Shrub or small tree 2-4 m high. Blooms in mid-May, white flowers. Fruits (from rounded to obverse pear-shaped) with a diameter of 1–1.5 cm, red during ripening (second half of July), purple, almost black when mature, with juicy sweet pulp and a characteristic aftertaste, do not ripen at the same time.

Irga spiky. Bush or tree 3–6 m high. Blooms in May, 2–3 days earlier than round-leaved shadberry. Flowers with white or bright pink petals. The fruits are smaller than those of the round-leaved, ripen about a week later, purple-black, with a bluish tinge, taste like the fruits of the round-leaved shadberry.

In nature, it grows on rocky, gravel-covered coastal sections of rivers, cliffs, sandstones and limestones.

Irga canadian. Tree from 2 to 18 m. Blooms in mid-May. The flowers are white or yellowish white. In spring, the leaves are pinkish and silvery white. In autumn, the plant changes its outfit to intense red. The fruits of the Canadian shadberry are round, large, dark purple, almost black, with a bluish bloom, sweet and juicy, of the highest taste.

In nature, the Canadian irga grows along the banks of rivers and swamps, on moist soils, on the slopes of high rocks. It bears fruit from four years. It enters the growing season in late April, blooms in the second half of May and early June for 15–18 days, the fruits ripen in August, the leaves turn in mid-September, fall off in the first half of October.

Irga smooth. Bush up to 8 m high with slightly drooping branches. The flowers are white. The fruits are juicy, red or bluish-black. Irga smooth soils prefer slightly acidic.

Irga alder-leaved. Multi-stemmed shrub up to 4 m high with smooth dark gray bark. The flowers are white. The fruits are purple, medium in size, very sweet. With proper care, a 7-8 year old plant can produce up to 10 kg of berries.

Irga blood red. A slender shrub up to 3 m high. The flowers are large. The fruits are sweet, dark, almost black. Harvest up to 5 kg per plant.

The center of breeding work over the past 60 years has been Canada, where varieties have been obtained: Altaglow and Smokey with white berries, large-fruited Forestburg, fragrant Pembina. Winter-hardy and sweet have proven themselves well: Moonlake, Nelson, Sturgeon, Slate, Regent, Honeywood. Hence the popularity of the Canadian shadberry. In our country, several varieties are being tested.

How to propagate irgu at home

Irga propagates independently by root shoots and seeds.

In culture, irgu is propagated by seeds, layering, root offspring, root and green cuttings, and grafting.

Seeds propagate, as a rule, species forms of shadberry. From the largest, ripe berries, seeds are selected and kept for several days in a cool room, then they are crushed and the seeds are separated from the pulp.

Seeds can be sown immediately after harvesting or in spring, after 90-100 days of stratification in wet sand at a temperature of 0 + 2 ° C, in boxes in a light soil mixture consisting of humus, soddy soil and sand, taken in equal quantities. During the autumn sowing, the boxes are dug in for the winter and covered with leaves. Plants grown from seeds bloom in the 3-4th year after sowing.

Irgi varieties are propagated only vegetatively, since the traits of the variety are not preserved during seed propagation. The easiest way is propagation by root shoots, which can be done in early spring or autumn.

Irga is fairly easy to propagate by root cuttings. To do this, in autumn or early spring, root cuttings 1–1.5 cm in diameter and 10–15 cm long are harvested and planted vertically on ridges, mulched with peat or humus and watered abundantly. During the growing season, increased soil moisture is maintained and annual plants are obtained by autumn, which, depending on the strength of development, are planted for growing or in a permanent place.

A very effective way of breeding shadberry: etiolated shoots. To do this, in early spring, mother plants are cut very short and a simple tunnel is built over them, covered with black plastic wrap. When the etiolated shoots grow by 15–18 cm, they are used for propagation, like ordinary green cuttings.

Reproduction by grafting is rarely used. As rootstocks, seedlings of mountain ash and hawthorn are most preferred. It is better not to use irgi seedlings, as they give abundant root shoots. Vaccination can be done at different heights from the soil level, depending on what kind of plant you want to get - standard or in the form of a multi-stemmed bush.

Plants grafted onto mountain ash are characterized by moderate growth and earlier and more abundant fruiting, they do not produce shoots, and standard forms are also very decorative. Grafting (budding or grafting with a cutting) is carried out at the usual time, but grafting with a cutting is more effective than budding.

Irga is one of the reliable and hardy rootstocks for dwarf pears and apple trees in the northern regions of the country.

Soil preparation and planting Irgi in open ground

The technique of planting irgi is the same as that of other shrubs. The method of preplant soil preparation is the same as for currants and gooseberries.

On the site, it is desirable to allocate moderately moist places, but with good air permeability of the soil. In this case, waterlogging is undesirable. It is necessary to try to avoid planting in swampy lowlands, in places with high standing groundwater, as well as with prolonged stagnation of water in spring and autumn.

The leveled soil is dug up onto a shovel bayonet, that is, to a depth of 20–22 cm, having previously applied fertilizers per 1 sq.m: organic - 3–4 kg, granular superphosphate - 100–150 g, potassium sulfate - 20–30 g. A very good potash fertilizer is wood ash in the same doses.

Acidic soils are undesirable, therefore, at pH 4–5.5, lime is evenly applied for digging at a dose of 0.3–0.8 kg / sq.m.

Irgu is planted with 1-2-year-old seedlings in spring or autumn, 5-8 cm deeper than they grew in the nursery, in order to grow a larger number of strong basal shoots. The usual planting pattern for shadberry is 4–5 x 2–3 m. It is also often planted as a staggered hedge, with plant spacings in rows of 0.5 to 1.8 m.

Landing is carried out in deep furrows. On a personal plot, it is usually enough to plant 1–2 plants, allocating about 16 sq.m for each on loamy fertile soils and up to 6–9 sq.m on poorer sandy loamy ones. The seedlings are placed in planting holes 50–80 cm wide and 30–40 cm deep.

After planting, the plants are watered (8-10 liters of water per planting pit), the soil surface is mulched with the same soil, peat or humus (a mixture of earth and humus in a ratio of 3: 1, or add peat to the pit, additionally adding 300 g of phosphorus to each pit). and 150 g of potash fertilizers), and the aerial part is shortened to 10 cm, leaving 4–5 well-developed buds above the soil level.

On the territory of the garden or in the backyard, it is better to plant the irgu in places blown by the north winds, because the bushes trap snow. It is good to plant raspberries and currants next to the irga, for which it will be additional protection. When creating hedges, plants are planted in one row after 1–1.5 m.

How to care for irga

For the first 3 years, the plant needs timely loosening of the soil, weeding and fertilization in the same norms as for currants (40–50 g of superphosphate, 10–15 g of potassium sulfate and 4–6 kg per bush of organic fertilizers). With the onset of fruiting, in the 4th year, it may be necessary to tie the bushes with various materials to prevent strong bending of the shoots under the weight of the crop. With age, the trunks become stable and the need for a garter disappears.

It is best to form an irgu in the form of a multi-stemmed bush from strong basal shoots. Weak shoots are completely cut out.

Irga takes a lot of nutrients from the soil into berries. Therefore, every year, with loosening and digging, apply compost or humus mixed with mineral fertilizers at the rate of 0.5–1 bucket of compost mixed with 2–4 tablespoons of nitrophoska (or 2 tablespoons of superphosphate and potassium sulfate) and 1 glass ash per 1 sq.m.

In summer, liquid ammonium nitrate fertilizers (50 g per bush) or a 10% solution of bird droppings are useful for Irgi bushes. Top dressing is carried out at night after rain or after heavy watering. During the period of pouring berries, the irga is very responsive to watering. In dry weather, regular watering is required, otherwise you can completely lose the crop.

A sign of full ripening of the fruit is a slight release of juice when pressing on them with your fingers. Irgi berries are tender and juicy, so they are collected in baskets. For processing, the berries are harvested mature, but under normal conditions they can be stored for no more than 2-3 days. This period can be significantly extended if you store the berries of irgi at a temperature of about zero degrees.

Irga is a unique shrub that differs from others in incredible beauty. Irgi bushes are considered to be one of the most impeccable ornamental plants, the fruits of which, among other things, have an excellent sweet taste. The irga plant is very unpretentious, does not require complex care and constant monitoring, which is why almost all summer residents and gardeners are happy to plant it on their own plot. However, in order to achieve the desired result, you need to clearly understand that irgi flowers have growing features, which are described in detail in this article.

Did you know? The name "irga" in French means "a plant that indicates the taste of honey." Such a name fully reflects the honey-bearing capacity of all shadberry bushes.

Irga Canadian, features of growing the largest bush

Canadian irga is a tall shrub, reaching a height of 2 to 18 meters. It differs from other species, of which there are a considerable number, in thin branches, with the help of which, as a rule, a rounded crown of large sizes is formed. It has oblong leaves with small teeth. During the flowering period, the Canadian irga strikes with an amazing bouquet of yellowish-white flowers. This shrub produces round, dark purple fruits that ripen in early August.

Features of growing Canadian shadberry:

has a shallow root system;
irgi leaves reach 10 cm in length;
the flowering period of the Canadian shadberry lasts about one week;
grows about 30 cm in length and width per year;
the most favorable conditions for growth are an abundance of natural light;
not afraid of severe frosts, winds and does not require constant watering;
the best soil for growing is calcareous soil;
the introduction of fertilizers into the soil is advisable only three to four years after planting;
to increase the yield, it is enough to prune stepchildren every spring;
unnecessary shoots of the root system should be removed. Some of them can simply be transplanted;
planting should be carried out in a pit with a drainage system through which watering will be carried out in the future.

Important! Canadian irga is often planted exclusively for decorative purposes. In this case, you can not remove the emerging root shoots - soon they will become the basis of new shrubs.

Features of growing smooth shadberry

Irga smooth is one of the most popular and beautiful fruit-bearing shrubs, widely distributed among domestic farmers and summer residents. Hanging tassels, wide branches, purple foliage - this is what distinguishes smooth shadberry bushes. After flowering, purple foliage is replaced by edible berries with a unique taste.

Features of growing irgi smooth:

the height of the shrub reaches 5-10 meters, which is why it is necessary to allocate at least two square meters for planting the smooth shadberry variety;
drainage system - a mandatory component when planting shrubs;
smooth irga does not require regular watering and constant care;
the shrub is resistant to strong gusty winds, temperature changes and extreme cold, it is not necessary to cover it for the winter;
smooth irga does not take root well when planted by cuttings. The key to success is grafting onto other varieties of shadberry or mountain ash;
significantly increases the collection of honey when planted in apiaries.

Attention! Irgi bushes do not require special care, however, like all plants, they sometimes get sick. Diseases and pests can quickly cover the entire plant, therefore, at the first appearance of signs of soreness of branches or foliage, the affected areas should be immediately removed, after which the bush should be treated and the soil fertilized.

What you need to know about growing irgi Lamarck

Irga bush variety Lamarck is a unique shrub that is extremely popular among summer residents and farmers seeking to decorate their own plot. It belongs to deciduous large-sized plants, reaching a height of up to 5 meters. The flowers of the Lamarck variety shadberry are small and practically odorless, but there are a lot of them, which creates an indescribable decorative effect during the flowering period.

The fruits of the Lamarck irgi variety are rounded purple berries with a sweet-tart taste and extremely beneficial properties for humans. Like many others, the Lamarck bush irga has oblong leaves with small denticles along the edges. Irga Lamarka, planting and caring for which practically does not differ from others, still has a number of growing features.

Features of growing shrubs:

the variety is excellent for growing on any land plot, regardless of the quality of the soil, climatic features and weather changes;
annual growth of the bush - at least 25 cm in height and 25 cm in crown diameter;
landing is best done in late autumn or early spring. The pit must have a sufficient drainage system, and the soil in it must be fertilized with an organic composition for shrubs;
Irga Lamarck's plant can be planted by cuttings, shoots, grafting and even seeds (planting by cuttings gives the best results, so other options are practically not used);
to increase the germination of fruits, the shrub should be cleared of stepchildren every 4-5 months;
Lamarck is an excellent honey plant and is often planted near apiaries.

Did you know? Irgi fruits are saturated with vitamin P, so their use is recommended as a means to strengthen blood vessels, prevent heart attacks and varicose veins.

Irga alder-leaved: features of care

Alder-leaved irga is a moisture-loving fruitful shrub of large size. The main distinguishing feature of this variety is the dependence on constant watering. Along with the high height of the bush and a wide crown, the alder-leaved shadberry is characterized by lowered shoots and round twisted leaves. This type of irgi gained particular popularity due to its numerous fruiting. In some cases, the diameter of the berries reaches 15 mm.

Important! In some cases, irga can cause allergic reactions and cause a serious increase in pressure. Moreover, excessive consumption of food has a sedative effect and reduces attention.

Due to the rigid dependence on the level of moisture in the environment and soil, the alder-leaved irga, like the common irga, is often found on the banks of water bodies, as well as on slopes and slopes above them.

Characteristic features of care and cultivation:

the most favorable landing time is early spring and / or late autumn;
the greatest chance of germination is when planting cuttings and shoots;
depends on constant abundant watering and the quality of the planting soil;
germination and flowering depends on the amount of light received;
can be planted in the city;
abundant fruiting begins 5 years after planting;
requires periodic top dressing with organic fertilizers;
resistant to frost, but with severe frosts, it is recommended to cover the tips of the branches.

Irga spiky, features of growing an ornamental fruit plant

Spiked shadberry is a decorative fruit-bearing shrub of small size. It enjoys unprecedented popularity in domestic summer cottages and personal plots. The main distinguishing feature of the appearance of the spiked shadberry is the white felt fluff located on the back of the leaves. Moreover, this shrub does not change color in the autumn-winter period, and during fruiting it is distinguished by a large number of berries.

Almost any soil is suitable for planting spiked shadberry, regardless of its composition and humidity. Resistance to drought, as well as difficult climatic conditions, determines the population of the shrub. Spiked irga rarely exceeds 70 cm in height.

Features of growing spiked shadberry:

perfectly tolerates almost all weather conditions;
does not depend on the regularity and quality of watering;
does not require fertilizers;
propagated by cuttings and does not require vaccination;
begins to bear fruit from the first years after planting;
does not require cleaning from stepchildren;
can be used as a hedge.

Irga oval-leaved, what you need to know about caring for a berry bush

Representatives of this variety of shadberry are short-growing perennial fruit-bearing shrubs. Felt sheets of white color and a maximum height of 50 cm distinguish the oval-leaved shadberry among others. During the flowering period, the bush is covered with a significant number of flowers, which is why it is the oval-leaved shadberry that is often used in order to obtain the best symbiosis of productivity and decor. Oval-leaved varieties tolerate prolonged droughts well, and are also dependent on sunlight, therefore they are more suitable for planting in the southern regions.