Nordmann Fir

The Nordmann fir, named after the Finnish zoologist Alexander von Nordmann, is a large coniferous tree found in certain Caucasian countries. Scientists have observed two distinct subspecies of the tree – the Caucasian fir and the Turkish fir, with their range of distribution culminating in Northern Turkey at about 36°E longitude.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Abies
Scientific Name	Abies nordmanniana

Quick Information

Other Names	Caucasian Fir, Kazazdagi Fir
Size	40-60 ft (12.1-18.2 m); may grow to more than 250 ft (76.2 m)
Identification	Leaves (Needles): Flattened, dark green and shiny on the top and bluish white on the undersides; 0.71-1.38 in (1.8-3.5 cm) long and 0.08 in (2 mm) wide; notched or blunted at the end Fruits (Cones): Upright; 5-6 in (12.7-15.2 cm) long and 2 in (5 cm) wide; notched scales and oblong Bark: Smooth and thin, resin blisters present, eventually breaks into small plates, barks in older trees become wrinkled
Tree Type	Evergreen
Distribution	Georgia, Turkey, North Armenia, Russian Caucasus Mountains, Northwest Azerbaijan
Hardiness Zones	4-7
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	More than 50 years
Growing Conditions	Winter Conditions: Can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F (4.4°C) Summer Conditions: Prefers humid places Light Conditions: Full sun Rain: Over 40 in (1000 m) Soil Requirements: Moist, well drained, clayey, loamy, and acidic
Diseases/Pests/Problems	Bagworms, woody adelgids, scales, spider mites, and twig aphids
Breeding System	Monoecious
Propagation	By seeds
Seed Production	Each cone has scales with seeds; these scales disintegrate at maturity to release the seeds
Seedling Development	Easy to germinate
Wildlife Value	Provides food and habitat for many bird and animal species
Cultivars	Golden Spreader Pendula Prostrata
Uses	As Christmas trees; ornamental trees in gardens and parks, wood is used to make paper
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Comparison of Nordmann, Noble & Fraser Firs

Nordmann Fir vs. Noble Fir

Foliage of the noble fir is of light blue-green color while the Nordmann fir has dark green foliage.

Nordmann Fir vs. Fraser Fir

Fraser fir has a scent while the Nordmann fir is without any.

Interesting Facts

• The Golden Spreader cultivar variant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
• Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce are two of the most popular choices as Christmas trees in Europe.

References

1. http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=846
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abies_nordmanniana
3. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/42293/10679078
4. https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/535/78626/nordmann-fir-w-cover.pdf
5. http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=465