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Home > Fir > Nordmann Fir

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.

Nordmann Fir

Nordmann Fir

Turkish Fir

Turkish Fir

Scientific Classification

KingdomPlantae
DivisionPinophyta
ClassPinopsida
OrderPinales
FamilyPinaceae
GenusAbies
Scientific NameAbies nordmanniana
Nordmann Fir Tree

Nordmann Fir Tree

Nordmann Fir Seeds

Nordmann Fir Seeds

Quick Information

Other NamesCaucasian Fir, Kazazdagi Fir
Size40-60 ft (12.1-18.2 m); may grow to more than 250 ft (76.2 m)
IdentificationLeaves (Needles): Flattened, dark green and shinyon 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 TypeEvergreen
DistributionGeorgia, Turkey, North Armenia, Russian Caucasus Mountains, Northwest Azerbaijan
Hardiness Zones4-7
Growth RateSlow
LifespanMore than 50 years
Growing ConditionsWinter 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/ProblemsBagworms, woody adelgids, scales, spider mites, and twig aphids
Breeding SystemMonoecious
PropagationBy seeds
Seed ProductionEach cone has scales with seeds; these scales disintegrate at maturity to release the seeds
Seedling DevelopmentEasy to germinate
Wildlife ValueProvides food and habitat for many bird and animal species
Cultivars
  • Golden Spreader
  • Pendula
  • Prostrata
UsesAs Christmas trees; ornamental trees in gardens and parks, wood is used to make paper
IUCN Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Abies Nordmanniana

Abies Nordmanniana

Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree

Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree

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.

Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees

Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees

Nordmann Fir Needles

Nordmann Fir Needles

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.
Nordmann Fir Saplings

Nordmann Fir Saplings

Nordmann Fir Seedlings

Nordmann Fir Seedlings

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

Published on September 8th 2016 by Sudipto Chakrabarti under Fir.
Article was last reviewed on 5th December 2024.

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