Despite the seeming simplicity of nature Leningrad region, it is very diverse and rich. Of course, there are almost no particularly stunning landscapes here, but this region has its own characteristics - a surprisingly calm harmony and a combination of hilly terrain with smooth outlines of plains with forests, lakes and swamps covered in a light fog and translucent haze.

After reading the article, it will be possible to learn about the natural features of these places. Before we imagine the diversity of the nature of the Leningrad region, we will short review geographical location and climatic conditions of this part of Russia.

Geography

The region is located in the northwest of the European part of Russia. The predominant territories are lowlands (Prinevskaya, Baltic, Svirskaya, Vuoksinskaya, Svirskaya, etc.), which have traces of glacier activity. To the south of Lake Ladoga and the Gulf of Finland stretches the Baltic-Ladoga ledge with a height of about 300 meters.

The region borders with Karelia (in the north), the Vologda and Novgorod regions (in the east and southeast, respectively), with Estonia and Finland (in the west and northwest), with the Pskov region and the city of St. Petersburg (in the south). The Gulf of Finland is located on the western border.

Relief

The Leningrad Region extends entirely on the territory of the Russian Plain (or East European), which explains to a greater extent the flat nature of the relief with low absolute heights relative to sea level (about 50-150 meters).

The Karelian Isthmus (especially the northwestern part) is distinguished by its relief. There are numerous rock outcrops and a large number of lakes. Geologically, the isthmus is part of the Baltic crystalline shield. Its highest point is Mount Kivisyurya (above sea level - 203 meters), located near the village. Novozhilovo (on the tract Kamennaya Gora).

For the most part, the lowlands stretch along the shores of the Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga and along the valleys of large rivers.

The highest point of the region is Mount Gapselga, whose height is 291 meters, and it is located on the Vepsovskaya Upland. A curious geographical feature is the Baltic-Ladoga ledge (in other words, the glint). This is a cliff stretching from west to east for 200 km, about 60 meters high, which was once the shore of an ancient sea.

Climate

The nature of the Leningrad region is due to peculiar climatic conditions. The territory is dominated by a temperate climate, transitional from oceanic to continental. Therefore, these places have rather mild winters and relatively warm summers.

Air masses coming from the sea cause mild winters with frequent thaws and relatively warm, but occasionally cool summers.

In January average temperature ranges from -8 to -11 °C, in the middle of summer +16 ... +18 °C. The maximum positive temperature is +36 °C, the minimum is -52 °C. The warmest regions of the region are in the southwestern, the coldest - in the east.

The average annual rainfall is about 700 mm. Most precipitation falls on the uplands (for example, Lembolovskaya), and less on the coastal lowlands, and to a greater extent they occur in summer and autumn.

The most unique, distinctive feature of the Leningrad region is an amazing natural phenomenon, characteristic of high latitudes, called white nights. They come at the end of May and last until the middle of summer.

Water resources

The nature of the Leningrad region is rich in numerous lakes. There are more than 1800 of them on the territory of the entire region. The largest body of water is. By its size, it is in first place in Europe (the area is more than 18 thousand square kilometers).

The length of the rivers of the Leningrad region in general is approximately 50,000 kilometers. The largest of them are the Neva, Volkhov, Svir, Oyat, Vuoksa and Pasha. The length of shipping routes is 1908 km. On the territory of the region there are ports: Primorsky, Ust-Luga, Vysotsky, Vyborgsky.

Flora

The peculiarity of the nature of the Leningrad region is associated with its geographic location. The territory of the Leningrad region lies in the southern taiga zone. Initially, these places were dominated by a landscape characteristic of a typical taiga - dense forests interspersed in places with marshy swamps. Even today, after many centuries of economic land development, forests occupy about half of the region's territory, and swamps - about 12%.

Most of the animals of the Leningrad region live in these large forests, which are especially preserved in the eastern part of the region. These are the banks of the Svir, Pasha and Oyat rivers. Spruces grow to a greater extent, and pines grow on more sandy soils (Karelian Isthmus). There is a reserve founded in 1738 - Lindulovskaya larch grove. Ship wood is grown in this unique place.

The type of vegetation in this area has changed slightly due to clearings and fires. In place of spruce forests, aspen and birch forests, as well as thickets of alder, began to appear in places. On the coasts of the Gulf of Finland and the rivers Volkhov and Lug, there are small oak forests.

The world of plants in the region is diverse, there are only about 33 species of medicinal plants here. A lot of mushrooms and berries.

Fauna representatives

Animals of the Leningrad region are mostly representatives of the taiga. Since this region is characterized by the northern type of forests, then mainly taiga animals live here. These are squirrel, hare, fox, marten, mole, polecat and elk.

Today, lynxes, bears and wolves are rarely seen here. At one time, beaver, muskrat and American mink were brought here to increase the abundance and enrichment of the fauna, which perfectly acclimatized in local conditions. In total, there are about 50 species of animals in the forests of the region today.

There are plenty of different birds in the area. Even sometimes you can meet unusual representatives that have never been here before. In total, there are 250 species of birds.

Of the birds of the Leningrad region, the most common are hazel grouse, gray partridges, black grouse, waders and different types ducks. You can also meet a rare gray crane here. Quite common in the region are representatives of birds from the family of finches. They stand out among their relatives not only with an unusual motley color, but with very sonorous voices. Finches, greenfinches, siskins, goldfinches, etc. also live here.

Conclusion

The nature of the Leningrad region can deservedly be considered interesting and rich.

There are almost all conditions here, not only for the habitat of a diverse animal world in the beautiful forests and reservoirs of the region, but also for quite good rest of people. Magnificent natural landscapes, rivers and lakes with clean water rich in fish, beautiful forests with fragrant coniferous air - all this enchants and pacifies.

To preserve this amazing wealth in its original form, many reserves and other protected natural areas have been created on the territory of the region.

Charity wall newspaper for schoolchildren, parents and teachers "Briefly and clearly about the most interesting." Issue 112, October 2017.

"Plants of the Leningrad Region"

Part One: Wild Trees and Shrubs - The 30 Most Common Species

Wall newspapers of the charitable educational project " Briefly and clearly about the most interesting» are intended for schoolchildren, parents and teachers of St. Petersburg. Our goal: schoolchildren- to show that gaining knowledge can become a simple and exciting activity, to teach you to distinguish reliable information from myths and conjectures, to tell that we live in a very interesting time in a very interesting world; parents- help in choosing topics for joint discussion with children and planning family cultural events; teachers- offer bright visual material, saturated with interesting and reliable information, to enliven lessons and extracurricular activities. We choose an important topic, look for a specialist who can reveal it and prepare material, adapt its text for the school audience, put it all together in the format of a wall newspaper, print a circulation and take it to a number of organizations in St. Petersburg (district education departments, libraries, hospitals, orphanages, etc.) for free distribution. Our resource on the Internet - the site of wall newspapers website, where our wall newspapers are presented in two types: for self-printing on a plotter in full size and for comfortable reading on the screens of tablets and phones. There are also Vkontakte community and a thread on the website of the parents of St. Petersburg Littlevan, where we discuss the release of new newspapers. Please send comments and suggestions to: [email protected] . Our gratitude to the botanist Tatyana Gorbushina for active participation in the preparation of the issue.

In the preface to one old book about the nature of Russia, something like this is written: “Any schoolboy will naturally tell you about a crocodile and a kangaroo and very similarly portray a giraffe near a palm tree. However, ask him to explain the difference between an otter and a marten, or an alder and an aspen, and he will experience considerable difficulty. But these are the most common species we have.” The series of wall newspapers “Nature of the Leningrad Region”, which we are publishing, is trying to tell about the most common animals and plants in our region. In this issue, we have selected for you 30 species of wild trees and shrubs of the Leningrad region, which you see literally at every step, but you can "experience difficulty" if you are asked to name them. The release is based on data from several reference books and determinants (see the list of sources at the end of the document). The illustrations of this issue are taken from the well-known botanical atlases "Flora... in stories and images for school and home" by Ótto Tomé (1885) and "Northern flora" by Carl Lindmann (1901).

In this series, read the site and our other issues on the website: "Wildlife of the parks of St. Petersburg" (No. 43), "Beasts of our forests" (No. 56), "Rare birds of the Leningrad region" (No. 59), "Butterflies of the Leningrad region" ( No. 92), “Fish of the Leningrad Region” (No. 94), “Reserved Territories of St. Petersburg” (No. 95), “Reserved Territories of the Leningrad Region” (No. 97), “Wild Trees and Shrubs of the Leningrad Region” (No. 105), “Birds Leningrad Region”, parts 1 (No. 103) and 2 (No. 104).

Thank you for being with us!

Department PINOPHYTA - gymnosperms

Class Pinopsida - Conifers

Sem. Pinaceae - Pinaceae

Genus Pinus L. - Pine

Pinus sylvestris L. - Scotch pine
A tree up to 40 m high, lives 300–500 years (the oldest pine of this species was found in Lapland (using a special drill, an annual ring of 1244 was found in it). In the upper part of the trunk, the bark is thin, orange-red, which is why clean pine forests in the old days were called krasnolesem.Very photophilous (therefore, the lower branches die off, forming an even trunk).The needles are updated every 2-3 years.Cones ripen in November-December, 20 months after pollination.Often settles in areas unsuitable for other species: on sands and swamps. Turpentine, turpentine oil and rosin are obtained from resin, from which, for example, varnishes and ointments are made. Volatile substances released by pine make the air in pine forests healing.

Genus Picea A. Dietr. - Spruce

Picea abies (L.) Karst. - European spruce
A tree up to 30 m high, lives 250–300 years. Shade-tolerant. One whorl of twigs grows annually, by the number of which it is easy to determine the age by adding 3–4 years. The needles live 5–7 years and are replaced evenly throughout the season. By October, the cones ripen, and in January-March, seeds spill out of them. At this time, the spruce crossbill feeds their chicks. Spruce wood is used in the manufacture of paper, as construction material and for making musical instruments. Stradivari made the top of his violins from spruce. Gum (resin) is a raw material for the chemical industry. In the forests of the Leningrad region, one can meet closely related species - Siberian and Finnish spruce.

Sem. Cupressaceae - Cypress

Genus Juniperus L. – Juniper

Juniperus communis L. - Common juniper
An evergreen shrub 1–3 m high, less often a tree 8–12 m high. A dioecious plant, that is, there are male and female individuals. Lives up to 600 years. Mature female cones (cone berries) are black and blue with a blue wax coating, ripening in the 2nd or 3rd year, contain a lot of sugars, are used as a spice and in medicine. However, they are not eaten, as the plant is toxic in large doses. Immersion oil is made from unripe cones for microscopic examination. Fragrant wood goes to crafts. Juniper thickets are often found along the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Resumes in nature badly, try not to damage it.

Department MAGNOLIOPHYTA - angiosperms

Class Magnoliopsida (Bicoteledones) - Dicotyledons

Sem. Aceraceae - Maple

Genus Acer L. - Maple

Acer platanoides L. - Plane maple (holly)
Broad-leaved shade-tolerant tree 12–28 m high, lives up to 150 years. On one tree (even in one inflorescence) there are flowers both unisexual (staminate or pistillate) and bisexual. Early honey plant. Maple wood has many valuable properties: a beautiful pinkish hue, flexibility, high abrasion resistance. Therefore, since ancient times, it has been used for the manufacture of furniture, parquet, stairs, countertops, skis and a variety of musical instruments. Back in the 9th century, the Slavs made a harp from maple. Maple is one of the main ornamental species in the parks. Another type of maple - American maple (originally from North America) - is often found in our area running wild.

Sem. Betulaceae - birch

Genus Betula L. - Birch

Betula pendula Roth- Birch drooping (warty)
Light-loving tree up to 25–30 m high, lives up to 120 years. The fruits ripen by the end of summer, and their dispersal occurs gradually throughout the autumn and winter. Tueski, boxes have long been woven from birch bark, decorated with carving, burning, painting, etc. From birch bast, as well as from linden, you can weave bast shoes, baskets and other household items. Birch bark letters (letters on birch bark dating back to the 11th-15th centuries) - amazing evidence Everyday life our ancestors. We also have a more moisture-loving downy birch, which, unlike the drooping birch, has a pure white trunk, the upper branches of the crown stick up, and the young shoots are pubescent, without warts.

Betula nana L. - birch dwarf
Branched shrub up to one meter high. The rising shoots form additional roots that grow tightly into the moss and soil, so often only birch leaves and catkins can be seen on the surface. This life form provides protection from frost under the snow. Often forms continuous thickets, called dwarf dwarfs. Blooms, forming small catkins, from mid-May to June, before the leaves bloom. The leaves of the dwarf birch are round, serrated along the edges, about 1 cm in size. In autumn, the leaves turn bright red. This peculiar type of birch is found more often in the northern part of the Leningrad region on raised bogs and their outskirts.

Genus Alnus Mill. - Alder

Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. - Alder black
A tree up to 35 m high, often multi-stemmed, often lives up to 80–100 years. Blooms in early spring. It is light-loving, grows near flowing waters, forming alder swamps, "elkhi". The Latin specific name "glutinosa" means "sticky" and is due to the fact that young leaves stick to the fingers. Freshly felled alder wood is white, but in the air it quickly becomes light red. From ancient times in Rus', the lower crowns of well log cabins were made from alder wood, which was not susceptible to decay. Microorganisms settle in nodules on the roots, which accumulate nitrogen, making the soil more fertile. Alder grows rapidly, being the first to populate clearings and abandoned fields.

Alnus incana (L.) Moench - Alder gray
Shrub, rarely a tree up to 15 m high, lives up to 40–60 years. Unlike black alder, its bark is light gray and smooth (rather than black and fissured), and the leaves are pointed (rather than blunt or notched) and non-glutinous (rather than shiny sticky). Blooms 2-3 weeks earlier than black alder. New shoots often grow from the roots, due to which thickets - gray alder forests - form on the swampy edges, swamps, along the banks of rivers. The wood of all types of alder is used to make plywood, matches, paper, and is used in the production of furniture, containers, and drafting coal. Alder is rich in tannins, which are used in the production of leather and in medicine.

Sem. Corylaceae - Hazel

Genus Corylus L. - Hazel

Corylus avellana L. - Common hazel (hazel)
Spreading shrub 2–7 m high, lives in one place for 80–200 years. Forms an undergrowth in broad-leaved, mixed and coniferous forests. Propagated by root offspring, due to which it quickly occupies forest clearings. Shade-tolerant hazel, demanding on soils. The leaves are large, wide, pubescent, with teeth along the edges, similar to the body of a bream (hence the name). Nuts ripen in September. They have many useful nutrients and vitamins. Large-fruited forms of different types of hazel are known as hazelnuts and are cultivated. Wood is used to make furniture, bent products (for example, barrel hoops), and charcoal pencils.

Sem. Fagaceae - Beech

Genus Quercus L. - Oak

Quercus robur L. - Pedunculate oak
Broad-leaved light-loving tree up to 30–40 m high, lives up to 300–400 years. Two forms of oak, early and late, differ in terms of leaf blooming. In a summer oak, the leaves fall off for the winter, and in a late oak, the leaves turn brown in autumn, but sometimes remain on the tree for the whole winter. Hard wood with a beautiful texture is used in shipbuilding, furniture, carpentry, and bark rich in tannins is used in industry. Acorns contain up to 40% starch, so many forest dwellers like to eat them: wild boars, deer, field mice, jays. In the northern part of the Leningrad region, oak is less common than in the south.

Sem. Thymeliaceae - Wolfberry

Genus Daphne L. - wolfberry

Daphne mezereum L. - Wolfberry ordinary (wolf bast)
Weakly branched shrub about one meter high, lives no more than 20 years. Prefers damp forests. In early spring blooms luxuriantly, so it looks like a fabulously beautiful tree. The color of the petals can be from greenish-yellow to white and pink. The branches do not break due to the very strong bast, so lovers of picking a “bouquet” often tear out the entire bush with roots. The plant must be protected: its populations are always small, since there is no vegetative reproduction, and the life expectancy is short. All parts of the plant, especially the fruit, are highly poisonous! According to legend, on the island of Hokkaido (Japan), the juice of the plant was used by the Ainu to wet the tip of harpoons when hunting walruses.

Sem. Salicaceae - Willows

Genus Populus L. - Poplar

Populus tremula L. - Aspen (trembling poplar)
Aspen reaches 35 m in height and lives up to 90 years. The long and flexible petioles of the leaves are flattened laterally, so the leaves are easily swayed by a light wind. They say about a frightened person that he "trembles like an aspen leaf." Abundantly forms root offspring. Young shoots are winter food for moose, deer, hares and other animals. It goes to the construction of houses, the production of plywood, pulp, matches and containers. The domes of ancient wooden churches in the north of Russia (for example, in Kizhi) were overlapped with planks carved from aspen, which acquired a silvery hue over time. Aspen is also credited with the ability to drive away evil spirits.

Genus Salix L. - Willow

Salix caprea L. - Willow goat (willow)
A fast-growing tree 6–10 (up to 15) m high, rarely a tree-like shrub up to 7 m. One of the first willows blooms, a beautiful early honey plant. The plant is well eaten by goats and sheep, hence the specific name originates. Propagated by seeds. Cuttings, unlike many other types of willows, root poorly. In the Leningrad region, 17 species of willows are described. In all willows, on some plants there are male catkins, fluffy and yellowish from anthers, and on others - female catkins, lengthening when the fruit ripens. From the bark of willows, a first-class tanning extract is obtained for leather production. Durable reddish wood goes to small crafts and unheated buildings.

Salix cinerea L. - Ash willow (gray)
Shrub up to 6 m tall. Good honey plant. Grows in wet places and marshes, in wet mixed forests and floodplain meadows, often forms thickets. Young shoots are covered with gray hairs, sometimes darker velvety "felt". It blooms in April, at the same time as the leaves bloom or a little earlier. It is artificially planted near water bodies, used for casing ditches. The rods are used for fuel, coal production, coarse weaving, tanning raw materials for leather production. For a non-specialist, all types of willows are difficult to identify, because they differ slightly and easily hybridize with each other.

Salix pentandra L. - Willow five-starred (chernotal)
Tree up to 16 m or low shrub (3-5 m). Lives up to 80 years. Grows in lowland swamps, wet meadows, damp forests. One of the late blooming willows, it is a good honey plant. Easily propagated by seeds - they are stored under the snow and give abundant shoots in spring. The leaves are dense, leathery, dark green above, shiny, lighter below, pointed towards the apex, hairless. It is widely used in landscaping, because of the shiny leaves it looks very attractive. Willow is especially beautiful during flowering. The wood is denser than other species, it is used for fuel and crafts. Shoots are suitable for coarse weaving.

Salix triandra L. - Willow three-stamen (belotal)
A multi-stemmed shrub up to 5–6 m high, less often a tree up to 6–8 m high. It grows along the banks of rivers and lakes, where it forms dense thickets near the water itself. It blooms after the leaves bloom, in April-May, sometimes again in a warm clear autumn. Good honey plant. The bark of trunks and older branches is separated by thin plates. Young branches are thin, straight and flexible. Annual shoots are used for weaving. Even special plantations of this type of willow are created for the production of wicker furniture. The wood is dense, white, with a brilliant, beautiful sheen. One of best breeds for strengthening creeping and eroded soils, banks of rivers and lakes, dams.

Sem. Rhamnaceae - Buckthorn

Genus Frangula Mill. - Buckthorn

Frangula alnus Mill. - Buckthorn brittle
Shrub up to 3-4 m high with smooth dark bark, annual shoots have a characteristic reddish tint. Lives up to 60 years. It grows along the edges and in the undergrowth of floodplain forests, the outskirts of swamps, among meadows, in clearings, along ravines. Propagated vegetatively (by root offspring and layering) and by seeds. Shiny black and red (unripe) fruits are popularly called "wolfberries". They are poisonous, but birds willingly eat them. Just like in a related species, the laxative jester, the fruits and bark of buckthorn are used in medicine. Before the revolution, light buckthorn wood was used to make almost ashless coal, from which the best grades of black powder were made.

Sem. Rosaceae - Rosaceae

Genus Padus Mill. - bird cherry

Padus avium Mill. - Common bird cherry
Large shrub or tree up to 10 m high with light brown, scaly bark. It grows along the banks of rivers, in moist forests and thickets of shrubs, along forest edges. Thanks to fragrant white inflorescences (remember the “bird cherry” cold in May), bird cherry is bred as ornamental plant. The fruits are edible, sweet and astringent in taste. They (as well as the bark and leaves) are harvested for medicinal purposes and used in cooking. Baked milk with bird cherry is one of the traditional Veps dishes. Dry fruit flour is sometimes used for baking. Bird cherry has heavy, strong and dense wood, which is not afraid of moisture. In the past, rolls were made from it for washing clothes.

Genus Malus L. - Apple tree

Malus sylvestris Mill. - forest apple tree
Shrub 3–5 m high or tree up to 10 m. Lives 30–50 years. It is frost-resistant, therefore it is sometimes used in the breeding of domestic varieties. It grows in water meadows, in floodplain forests, on the edges, it is not very demanding on soils. In April-May, beautiful pinkish-white flowers bloom on the branches, attracting bees. In July-September, small, bitter-sour, rich in tannins, woody apples ripen. They are added to various dishes (for example, in jam) to give a spicy flavor. The wood is reddish-brown, heavy and hard, used in carpentry and turning. Apple trees are often planted for decorative purposes.

Genus Rosa L. - Rose, Briar

Rosa majalis Herrm. - Rose of May (rosehip)
Shrub up to 2 m tall, found in thickets in floodplains, in the undergrowth, in meadows. The berries serve as food for birds that spread its seeds. Rosehip May is the most important vitamin plant of the Russian flora. Its fruits (or rather, the juicy pulp that surrounds the original fruits - nuts) contain many times more vitamin C than citrus fruits and blackcurrant. Jam is made from petals. Due to its unpretentiousness and frost resistance, it is used in urban landscaping along with other species (for example, wrinkled wild rose, imported from Japan and Far East). Ancestor of cultivars of roses; they are all representatives of the genus Rosehip.

Genus Sorbus L. - Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia L. - Mountain ash
A tree 5–12 m high with gray-brown bark. Lives 50-150 years. Found in the undergrowth as single individuals. Rowan has characteristic unpaired pinnate leaves. Bright orange fruits hang on the tree for a long time even in winter. They are bitter (after the first frosts, the bitterness disappears), contain useful organic acids and vitamins. Used in cooking and traditional medicine. Its durable elastic wood is used in carpentry. About 200 years ago, non-bitter rowan mutants were discovered in the Czech Republic (the historical region of Moravia) and in Russia (the village of Nevezhino, Vladimir Region). From them came two groups of cultivated varieties: Moravian and Nevezhin.

Genus Rubus L. - Blackberry

Rubus idaeus L. - Raspberry ordinary
Shrub up to 2 m high. A separate bush lives for about 10 years, however, due to root offspring, the life span of raspberry thickets is very long. It grows along forest edges, clearings, roadsides, on old foundations. Shoots with a two-year development cycle grow from a perennial rhizome. Shoots of the first year are green with a bluish bloom, do not bloom. In the second year, the shoots become woody and acquire Brown color, soon after fruiting dry up. The fruits have a wonderful taste, they are used to make jam, marmalade and juice. Due to the high content of salicylic acid, fruits and leaves are used for colds and flu as an antipyretic.

Rubus caesius L. - blackberry
Shrub no more than a meter high. Flexible young lodging shoots covered with thorns. It grows along the banks of rivers, in dry forests. The leaves are trifoliate, shaped very much like raspberry leaves, however, raspberries have a white underside of the leaf, while blackberries have green undersides. The plant blooms in mid-June and blooms all summer. On the same plant, flowers, unripe and ripe berries are found at the same time. The fruits are first green, then brownish, then red-brown and finally black-violet. The taste is sour, slightly resinous. Can be used to make jam. In the United States and Mexico, blackberries (and their hybrids with raspberries) are grown over vast areas.

Sem. Oleaceae - Olive

Genus Fraxinus L. - Ash

Fraxinus excelsior L. - common ash
A tree 20–30 m high with a spreading crown, lives up to 300 years. It grows in broad-leaved and mixed forests in the south and south-west of the Leningrad region, often on limestone. The leaves are pinnate, similar to rowan leaves, but larger in size. Interestingly, the leaves fall off separately, leaving a bare axis, which also soon falls off. Blooms in May before leaves appear. On one tree there are male, female and bisexual flowers. It is widely cultivated due to its resistance to smoke and gases. Ash products (parquet, sports equipment, souvenirs, dishes, railings, furniture) do not require varnishing due to the special texture of the wood.

Sem. Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle

Genus Lonicera L. - Honeysuckle

Lonicera xylosteum L. - Honeysuckle (forest)
Shrub about 1.5 m high, individual shoots live for about 10 years. The bark is gray, young shoots are green or reddish. The leaves, velvety to the touch, are densely pubescent with short soft hairs. Red, growing in pairs, the fruits are poisonous. It grows in the undergrowth of coniferous and mixed forests, in thickets of shrubs in ravines and near rivers. Honey plant. Solid yellowish wood is used to make small crafts. Honeysuckle tolerates shearing well and is used in hedges. Blue honeysuckle is listed in the Red Book of the Leningrad Region (occasionally found in the southwest and east of the region). Its dark blue berries are edible.

Genus Sambucus L. - Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa L. - elderberry red
A branching shrub (sometimes a small tree) up to 5 m high with a grayish-brown bark. Elderberry branches are very brittle due to the loose core. In settlements, it grows on wastelands, sometimes on the ruins of old buildings. The whole plant, including the fruits, has an unpleasant odor and taste, but is not poisonous. In July-August, bright red fruits ripen. They are readily eaten by birds, which help the plant settle. Elderberry has been cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks since ancient times, and later the plant settled in the wild. It is believed that the red elderberry repels mice. Flowers and fruits are used in folk medicine.

Genus Viburnum L. - Kalina

Viburnum opulus L. - Viburnum ordinary
Shrub up to 3 m high with gray-brown bark, lives up to 50 years. The function of attracting pollinating insects is performed by marginal enlarged barren flowers. The cultivar 'Boulle-de-nezhe', or ' Snowball', where all the flowers are barren and collected in beautiful globular inflorescences. It blooms and bears fruit only in open places - along the banks of rivers, in forest glades, on the outskirts of forest edges and clearings. Dark red translucent fruits have an astringent bitter taste, which disappears after frost. Jam from viburnum fruits has a peculiar taste. The fruits are used in medicine. Decorative flowering varieties have been developed.

Sem. Tiliaceae - Linden

Genus Tilia L. - Linden

Tilia cordata Mill. - Linden heart-leaved
Broad-leaved tree 20–25 m tall, lives up to 300–400 years. It grows in mixed and deciduous forests on hillsides, along river valleys and ravines. Cultivated in cities. It blooms late: from the beginning of July for 10-15 days. The wood is very light and works well. From it they make tubs, troughs, beehives, furniture, dishes (including Khokhloma), toys (including Bogorodsk), musical instruments, platbands. Previously, in order to fake a seal, a copy of it was cut out of linden wood (hence the expression "linden" - a fake). A bast was torn from the bark, from which bast shoes, matting, washcloths were woven. Lime blossom is used for colds.

Sem. Ulmaceae - Elms

Genus Ulmus L. - Elm

Ulmus glabra Huds. - Rough elm (mountain elm)
A tree up to 30 m high, lives up to 400 years. The leaves are hard, rough (hence the name) - in contrast to the related species (smooth elm), which has smooth leaves. It grows in mixed and deciduous forests along the slopes of river valleys and ravines. In a wild form, it is found in the southern, western and central regions of the Leningrad region. It is widely cultivated due to its gas resistance and ability to retain dust. The wood of the tree is strong, resilient and durable. Due to its resistance to moisture, wood is used for the lower rims of well log cabins and in the construction of bridges. Some buildings in Venice stand on stilts made of elm.

Sem. Grossulariaceae - Gooseberries

Genus Ribes L. - Currant, gooseberry

Ribes nigrum L. - Black currant
Shrub 1–2 m high. In nature, it occurs in damp places: along the banks, ravines, in alder groves. Leaves, buds and fruits are used in medicine. Berries are used in multivitamin collections, they are also valued because of their wonderful taste. Currant leaves are used as a spice when pickling vegetables and mushrooms. They are smooth below, in contrast to the related species growing in the same places (fluffy currant), in which the leaves are pubescent and the fruits are red. Currant has been cultivated for a long time. In the northern regions of the Leningrad region, feral red currant is found. Remember the riddle? "Is she red?" - "No, black!" “Why is she white?” "Because it's green."

Sources and literature

Main

- Botanical atlas of plants of the Leningrad region on the website of the Botanical Institute. V.L.Komarov of the Russian Academy of Sciences (BIN RAS).

– Atlas wild plants Leningrad region. A. Sorokina, V. A. Bubyreva. Moscow, Association of Scientific Publications KMK. 2010. 664 p., ill.

- Botanical Atlas Otto Thomé Flora of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in stories and images for school and home (Otto Wilhelm Thomé "Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz in Wort und Bild für Schule und Haus"), Gera, Germany, 1885.

- Botanical atlas of Carl Lindman "Northern flora" (Carl Axel Magnus Lindman "Bilder ur Nordens Flora"), Sweden, Stockholm, 1901.

Additional

– Tsvelev N.N. Key to vascular plants of Northwestern Russia (Leningrad, Pskov and Novgorod regions). St. Petersburg: publishing house SPHFA, 2000. 781 p.

- Atlas of medicinal plants "Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen". Gera, Germany, 1887.

- Botanical atlas "Flora of Germany and Switzerland" (Icones florae Germanicae et Helveticae, Heinrich Gottlieb Ludwig Reichenbach).

– “Atlas of Botanical Drawing…” by Hoffmann-Dennert (Hoffmann, K., Dennert, E., Botanischer Bilderatlas nach dem natürlichem Pflanzensystem), Germany, 1911.

If you know of other digitized botanical atlases, let's add links to them to this list. Thank you.

Thank you, friends, for your attention to our publication. We would be very grateful for your feedback. In our next issues: the continuation of the series "Plants of the Leningrad Region", "Traces of animals and birds", "Modern research of the Thunder-stone and the Bronze Horseman" and others. We remind you that our partners in their organizations distribute our wall newspapers for free.

Mushroom season is in full swing, which means it's time to get out into nature. The editors of the site have compiled a list of must-see places depending on which mushrooms you prefer.

Mushroom memo:
1. The first rule of the mushroom picker: if in doubt, don't take it. And besides, don't try!
2. You need to go for mushrooms in the morning: while dew glistens on hats, it will be easier to find mushrooms.
3. Shoes and clothes should be comfortable and closed as much as possible, so you protect yourself from sharp knots and insects.
4. Do not forget to take a container of water, a knife and a map (or better, a navigator) with you.
5. Get a “lifesaver” that will be convenient to lift moss, leaves and sticks (if you don’t want to bend over every time), it is desirable that there is a “slingshot” at the end of the stick.
6. To collect mushrooms, it will be more convenient to get a basket or basket. So the mushrooms will last longer.
7. Do not use bags, bags and backpacks to collect mushrooms. The exception, perhaps, is chanterelles. They do not break or crumble during transportation.
8. It is advisable to fold tubular mushrooms with the cap up, small ones - whole, cut off the stem of large ones.
9. You can not take overripe old mushrooms. They can accumulate toxic and harmful substances.
10. Almost all mushrooms tend to grow in families. Found one - look for another nearby.
11. It is impossible to store mushrooms for a long time (no more than 2-3 hours). Therefore, having come from the forest, you should immediately sort them out and begin processing. Rapid spoilage of mushrooms is associated with a high moisture content and, accordingly, in rainy weather, mushrooms will deteriorate faster.

12. You can store raw mushrooms in the refrigerator for several hours. In the absence of a refrigerator, you can fold the mushrooms in one layer and place in a cool place.
13. If it is not possible to sort out the mushrooms immediately, you should douse them with salted boiling water: then they will not deteriorate during the day.
14. All mushrooms, in particular lamellar and russula, should be cut only with a stem to make sure that there is no membranous ring characteristic of pale grebe.
15. Always carefully check your "catch", remember: even a small part of the pale grebe is enough to send a person on his last journey.
16. For drying, salting and pickling, you need to take whole and strong mushrooms.
17. Never. Not. Try. Mushrooms. On the. Taste. Even if they smell good.
18. Conditionally edible mushrooms (they are used for salting) should be immediately placed in a saucepan and poured cold water in order to remove bitterness and milky juice.
19. Do not use galvanized and aluminum utensils for salting and marinating.
20. It is undesirable to go for mushrooms alone, in a large company there is less risk of getting lost. If you are walking alone, then warn relatives and friends, indicating the approximate route and how far you are leaving.

It impresses with its naturalness and great diversity. Yes, you will not see stunning and breathtaking landscapes here. But the beauty of this region is completely different - in quiet harmony and successful combination of hills with smooth outlines of forests, swamps and lakes covered in haze and fog. This article is about the features of the nature of the region, as well as about its

Features of the nature of the Leningrad region

The territory of the region is characterized by flatness, because the region is orographically completely within. Therefore, the absolute heights here do not exceed 291 meters (Mount Gapselga). Despite the area can not be called boring. After all, both lowlands and hilly uplands are represented here. Of great interest is the so-called Baltic-Ladoga Glint - an impressive ledge that crosses the region from west to east for almost 200 kilometers. It reaches a height of 50-60 meters.

Features of the nature of the Leningrad region are also manifested in the climate. It has very mild winters and fairly cool summers. At the same time, the southwestern extremities of the region are the warmest. During the year, this region receives up to 700 mm of precipitation, and most of it falls in the summer-autumn period.

The nature of the Leningrad region is distinguished by a very dense hydrographic grid. There are up to 1800 lakes here (and among them is the largest in Europe - Ladoga), and if you add all the rivers of the region into one, you get an impressive figure of 50 thousand kilometers! In addition, there are a lot of swamps and wetlands in the region.

Flora and fauna of the region

The northern part of the Leningrad region is occupied by taiga, and the southern part by a zone of mixed forests. Therefore, it is not surprising that the percentage of forest cover for the region is quite high, it is 55%. Meadow and cultivated landscapes (arable land) predominate only around St. Petersburg. Birch, alder, linden, oak, pine, spruce and ash - these are the trees that the rich nature of the Leningrad Region can boast of.

quite varied and animal world edge, which is represented mainly by forest species. So, here you can often meet a squirrel, a hare, a polecat, a marten or a roe deer. Beavers, elks, wolves and foxes, bears and wild boars are also found on the territory of the region. However, it is not so easy to meet them in the forests.

The Leningrad region is characterized by a very rich world of feathered inhabitants (up to 300 species of birds), and about 80 species of different fish are found in the rivers and lakes of the region.

Leningrad region

The natural resources of the region are being protected and preserved. For this purpose, a lot of nature protection areas and objects have been created in the region. Among them are the following:

• one natural reserve of national importance;
• one complex reserve of federal significance;
• twelve reserves of regional importance;
• one regional natural park;
• twenty-five monuments of nature.

In 1999, the Red Book of the region was published, which contains rare and endangered representatives of the flora and fauna of the region.

The Leningrad region is represented by complex, geological and hydrological objects. They are located in different areas of this charming region. Let us dwell only on a few of the most famous monuments with which the nature of the Leningrad region is so rich.

Radon springs in Lopukhinka

In the Lomonosovsky district, near the village of Lopukhinka, one of the natural monuments of the region is located - this is a complex of unique radon sources and lakes. The total area of ​​the protected area is 270 hectares. The natural monument itself was established in 1976.

Here, many springs come to the surface, which formed a narrow and beautiful valley of the Lopukhinka river in the form of a canyon up to 30 meters deep. Trout is found in this river, but catching it here, of course, is prohibited. Within the limits of the natural monument there are small areas of oak-elm forests.

Staraya Ladoga complex monument of nature

The most beautiful natural monument with an area of ​​220 hectares can be seen upon arriving in the Volkhov district of the Leningrad region. The nature of this wonderful place attracts many travelers. After all, here you can see rocky geological outcrops of the Ordovician age, admire the mysterious ancient burial mounds, visit the caves where bats hibernate.

The natural monument was founded in 1976. It is located on both banks of the river. Volkhov. On its territory there are four artificial caves, the largest of which is Tanechkina. They are known as the largest wintering ground for bats in the entire northwest of Russia. In these caves, animals spend about seven months a year - from late October to June.

Sablinsky natural monument

In the Tosnensky district of the Leningrad region there is a unique place - a whole and historical sights. Just forty kilometers from St. Petersburg, this natural monument is located with waterfalls, rocky canyons, caves and ancient burial mounds. Here, tourists can also visit the former estate of Alexei Tolstoy - the Pustynka farm.

Within the natural monument there are two small but very picturesque waterfalls: Tosnensky and Sablinsky. The height of the latter is about three meters. Of great interest here are also artificial caves dating back to late XIX- the beginning of the XX century. They mined sand, which was used to make glass. At that time, the caves provided a huge demand in St. Petersburg for this material. Today, four large and six small caves are known in Sablino.

Finally...

The nature of the Leningrad region - like a modest, but very beautiful Russian girl - quietly, but proudly declares itself. There are all conditions for a good rest of a person: charming landscapes, cool forests, lakes and rivers with a lot of fish. In these parts, you can really have a great rest after heavy and gray city everyday life.

Leningrad region - northwestern region. It is important for an amateur mushroom picker and even professional "hunters" to know mushroom places. The Leningrad region is large, and therefore such information is necessary so that time is not wasted searching for non-existent "wealth". The map of mushroom places will help the detectives collect whole baskets of different hats for a large friendly family and for sale.

Professionals for whom a decent profit is important prefer to load large touring cars. To get that many, you need to go around many places with a whole team of seekers. All this takes a lot of time, and therefore it is important to know the places rich in mushrooms in order to determine in advance the most optimal route. Such a map will help an amateur to find the nearest place where to pick mushrooms, while each of them will have different types of hats, and therefore you can determine the best point, taking into account your preferences.

The region is located in temperate latitudes, at the junction of taiga and mixed forests. The forest map of the Leningrad region shows how the territorial features of places affect the formation of large myceliums. To search at a certain time of the year, you must be guided by the mushroom picker's calendar and knowledge of the area. The annual harvest of mushrooms collected by the seekers is not the same. Every season it changes, and we can only hope for luck. However, mushroom places do not go anywhere, you can go around the Leningrad region more than once a year.

Priozersky district

Starting from the very north, the Priozersky district is rich in mushrooms. Here you can not only harvest a large crop, but also have a pleasant and useful time. Along with quiet hunting, the trip will give you pleasure with views of beautiful forests and the lake-river system of Vuoksa. Truly picturesque corners will bring joy to those who like to take pictures and study every bush. The peaceful landscape, which is so beautiful with the sunrise of the gentle sun, will give you unforgettable moments in the Priozersky district.

North to East

The village of Kuznechnoye immediately catches your eye on the map. The island territory of this place is famous for its mushroom diversity. Chanterelles are most often found here. Since they usually grow in birches and mixed light forests, the village is an ideal place for the development of mycelium. Characteristic for the islands are both boletus and boletus. No wonder they are called that. You can also meet white mushrooms. You need to get to the village on 4 wheels, but you will have to swim to the mushrooms. There are local boatmen who will help you get to the shores of the islands for a small fee. Well, if you carefully prepare for the trip, it will not hurt to take an inflatable boat with you.

The village of Kommunary is located to the east and a little to the south. To the east of Millupelto station, you can find entire families of various mushrooms. High yields attract more and more “hunters” every year. It is not easy to get there, so it is better to have your own transport.

Further south and east are the settlements of Michurinskoye and Borisovo. The forests between them are famous for mushrooms and chanterelles. There is a bus from Sosnovo to the village. This method will help a simple amateur to get to the point, because the teams need a lot of equipment.

Moving even further south and east, you can get to the village of Losevo. Vuoksa is the largest spring originating in Finland. On its shore, near the village, a mixed forest grows. Birch and aspen mushrooms are often found here. Flywheels and chanterelles are also characteristic of this place. There is a bus from Sosnovo and an electric train from Finland Station.

Coniferous predominance in the mixed forest of the village of Snegirevka makes it possible for the families of flywheels and russula to develop. Oddly enough, but there are no less chanterelles here. The place surprises mushroom pickers with its diversity. The bus will help you get to the village.

The amazing village of Sosnovo

The most amazing place in the Priozersky district from the point of view of a mushroom picker is the village of Sosnovo - in the south. It is easy to get to it by train from Finland Station. The place is large and completely surrounded by mixed woods. The name of the village is not accidental. The predominance of pine, spruce and dry air characterize the forest. The variety of mushrooms is a real joy for the detective. Chanterelles, milk mushrooms, multi-colored russula, white, boletus - this is only part of the natural wealth of this territory.

Vyborg

So the Priozersky district ended - the richest in mushrooms, but the journey on the map does not stop there. The city of Vyborg is located in the west. The clean Leningrad regions surrounding the city, the mountains make this place a truly beautiful corner of nature. Transport links here are much better developed, and therefore it will not be difficult to get to mushroom places. In dense forests, many boletus, boletus and porcini mushrooms are found. You need to move very carefully in the thickets, since the Finnish border passes among them, it is advisable not to cross it. It does not hurt to take a map of the area, a compass or a navigator with you.

resort area

South of Priozersky is the Kurortny district. The mild climate of the Baltics, relief terrain, many lakes - a great place for the mushroom kingdom. The area is rich in wide beaches and sand dunes, where you can enjoy relaxing after a walk through the forest for mushrooms. The nature here is not so picturesque, but true connoisseurs of hiking will find their joy in many ways. Russula, chanterelles, milk mushrooms, and aspen mushrooms grow in these places. In a good year, you can leave here with overflowing baskets of friendly hats.

Vsevolozhsky district

Vsevolozhsky district - very a nice place Karelian Isthmus between the cultural capital and where they pick mushrooms in St. Petersburg. Picturesque hills and groves create beautiful landscapes. Hats grow in the village of Novoye Devyatkino and Bengardovka. The first is closer to the city of Vsevolozhsk. White mushrooms are more common here. In the forests of the second place, there are boletus, chanterelles and aspen mushrooms. Whites grow less frequently.

Other areas

The swampy terrain of the Gatchina region is covered with dense mixed mushrooms. Around the village of Vyritsa, seekers will find chanterelles and porcini mushrooms. Less common bittersweet. By the way, geyser-fountains spouting from underground are a miracle of this place.

Kirovsky district is located to the east. Points of the mushroom picker - the village of Sinyavino and Near the villages - forests in which a variety of mushrooms grow: oil mushrooms, russula, chanterelles, bitters and mushrooms. White can also be found. You need to get to Sinyavino by bus from the Dybenko metro station, to the village of Gory - by train from the Ladozhsky railway station. Mixed forests predominate in the Kirovsky district. There are groves and forests. Local lakes are a great place to relax.

In the village of Kolchanovo in the Volkhovsky district, unfortunately, there is no passenger transport. From the nearest station, you will have to travel several kilometers to the Syas River yourself. Behind it is a forest where you can collect mushrooms, russula, mossiness mushrooms.

East of the Leningrad region

The easternmost area where mushrooms are harvested in St. Petersburg is Lodeynopolsky. The village of Alekhovshchina is located on the banks of the Oyat River, this is one of the few places in the Leningrad Region where you can find a purely deciduous forest. There are various types of mushrooms here. Mushrooms grow in a deep pine forest. Nature is interesting, it provides secluded places where you can relax from the city noise for your favorite pastime - quiet hunting.

Mushroom pleasure

So the journey on the map ended, where the mushroom places are indicated. Leningrad region is open for search. When collecting a forest delicacy, one should not forget about the precaution that is often forgotten from the overflowing joy of the find. Only familiar mushrooms should be collected so as not to harm life and health, first of all for your own, and secondly for your family and customers.

Mushroom pickers are a network of small tubes connecting teams of hats in one small area, and therefore, if there is one good mushroom in a clearing, then a bunch of his friends are probably somewhere nearby. The main quality of a mushroom picker, and indeed of any hunter, is attentiveness.

For harvesting, it is better to use a container where free air exchange will occur, such as a basket or a net. So forest mushrooms will not deteriorate until they get home, and lovers tasty food will be able to enjoy an excellent delicacy at the table.

It is not for nothing that mushroom places are famous for such productivity. The Leningrad region and its forests are characterized by the presence of different tree species: alder, mountain ash, spruce, aspen, pine, birch, bird cherry. This diversity gives the forest the opportunity to expand the species set of mushrooms. Marshy terrain is another factor influencing the formation of large myceliums. Looking at the map of places in the Leningrad region, it is worth concluding that this is one of the richest natural places where picking mushrooms is a special pleasure.