Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Pinaceae
Native Range: Southwest Asia
Leaf: evergreen, needles directed forward, ¾ to 1 ½ inch long needles, tips rounded and notched, midrib sunken, needles dark green above with two white bands below
Twig and Bud: twig brown and densely covered with needles, leaf scars round
Flower, Fruit and Seed: seed cone reddish-brown, cylindrical, 5 ½ to 6 inches long, sits upright on branch, scales drop after seeds ripen
Bark: charcoal gray to red-brown and smooth
Shape and Mature Height: dense and conical, typically branched to the ground, 40-60 feet
Garden Value and Considerations
Nordmann fir grows best in rich, consistently moist, well-drained, acidic soils. It can grow in part shade, but full sun is preferable. Does poorly in heavy clay soils and where summers are hot. It is intolerant of urban pollution. This dense, dark green tree provides winter interest in gardens.
Notes
Also called Caucasian fir, this tree is native to the Caucasus Mountains and northeastern Turkey. This species is commonly sold as a Christmas tree.
