European Spruce headed the list in the voting of the residents of the Moscow Oblast for the symbol of the region which took place within the frame of the nationwide “The Alley of Russia” initiative.

      “The vote revealed the three leaders: I place – European Spruce, II place - Scotch Pine, III place – cornflower” – the statement of the press service of the Forestry Committee of Moscow Oblast said. All winning plants permanently grow in the region. “European Spruce in Moscow Oblast is most prevalent in the western and northern parts of the region, while pine is dominant in the eastern and southern parts. Spruce covers more than 440 thousand hectares of the region, pine covers more than 360 thousand hectares” - the press service stressed. After long discussions the residents of Moscow Oblast were also offered the choice of European birch and common lilac.