Identification of coniferous plants with decorative properties for landscaping in populated areas of the southern Non-Chernozem region
Skok A. V.1, Panfilyuk O. V.1Skok A. A.1, Sorokopudov V. N.2*
1Bryansk State University of Engineering and Technology, Bryansk, Russia
2FGBNU All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Moscow, Russia
Abstract. In urban flora, ecosystem sustainability is an important factor. The greater the biodiversity in the biogeocenosis, the more stable the environment. The adaptation of introduced and native plant species to urban conditions may lead to a loss of their ornamental qualities. Urban landscaping involves the use of both coniferous and deciduous species. The study of the decorative effect of coniferous plant species was carried out in 2024 in the conditions of the city of Bryansk. The assessment of decorative plants was carried out in public spaces of the city-parks and squares. The research methodology was based on a point-based evaluation of coniferous plant traits, including: duration of decorative effect, architecture of trunks and branches, shape, structure and density of the crown, color of needles, ornamental quality of cones, bark color, winter hardiness, and the plant's sanitary condition. The highest degree of decorativeness (33-36 points) in urban conditions was demonstrated by blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm), Cossack juniper (Juniperus Sabina L.), western thuja (Thuja occidentalis L.), European larch (Larix decidua Mill.), and Norway spruce (Picea abies Link.). The Blue Arrow juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow') and the Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.) have an average degree of decorativeness (29-30 points). The blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm) has the highest degree of decorativeness (36 points) and the Cossack juniper (Juniperus Sabina L.) (35 points). The lowest score was observed for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) – 29 points. More than 90 % of all studied coniferous plant species in Bryansk have a high degree of decorativeness, and only about 6 % showed an average degree. The majority of coniferous plantings in parks and squares consist of western thuja (Thuja occidentalis L.), which also had a high degree of decorativeness – 32 points. The decorative effect of coniferous plants in the urban environment determines the appearance of the city and comfort for humans. Keywords. Coniferous plant species, decorative features, parks, squares.
Funding. The work was carried out with the support of the state assignment of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation No. FGUU-2025-0001 "Formation, preservation and study of gene pool biological collections in various fields in order to preserve biodiversity and use them in health-saving technologies".
Keywords. Coniferous plant species, decorative features, parks, squares.
For citation. The work was carried out with the support of the state assignment of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation No. FGUU-2025-0001 "Formation, preservation and study of gene pool biological collections in various fields in order to preserve biodiversity and use them in health-saving technologies".
