2017Forests Gold, Forest Species - Joint Issue Estonia - Romania - First Day Cover

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is an evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the genus of spruces in the pine family, which is widely found in the Northern Hemisphere. The Norway spruce is the only natural spruce species in Estonia and is our third most common tree species, right after pines and birches. Spruces tolerate shade well and, in the case of favourable soil conditions, crowd out other tree species; spruces can grow to be up to 35 metres in height and up to 1 metre in width. The tallest spruces in Estonia grow at Järveselja and are 48 metres high. In favourable conditions, the Norway spruce will live up to 250 years, but can also grow to be 400–500 years old. Spruce wood is soft, easily to work with and it is used for construction wood, furniture; it provides great sound quality and is therefore used to make zithers, violins, pianos, etc. Additionally, spruces are popular decorative and Christmas trees.

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is a species of deciduous and perennial tree in the Sorbus genus of the rose family. Rowans grow in nearly all of Europe. In Estonia, rowans are common in the edges fields and underbrush and they grow to be 10–15 high and 30–50 thick. Due to its beautiful flowers and fruits, rowans are grown as decorative trees; some of their fruit are edible and healthy; their timber is flexible and strong, and therefore perfect for carpentry. Rowans do not shed their berries in the fall, so they are important sources of food for birds in the winter when it is snowing.