The Abies nordmanniana ( Nordmann Fir ) is an evergreen tree that grows to great heights in a pyramid like shape. The truly grand Nordmann Fir is cultivated in its native habitat and in Europe, for its use as a Christmas tree. It is not as heavily cultivated as some other species like the Fraser and Balsam Fir though.
It is also a popular choice for bonsai growers as well and is native to the mountainous regions of Caucasus and Turkey.
Abies nordmanniana is a cold climate species and will not grow in warm or tropical regions. In its native zones, it has been recorded as growing at altitudes above 2000 metres!
Other common names for the Abies nordmanniana are the Christmas Tree Fir, the Non-Drop Tree and the Caucasian Fir.
Check out our other Fir pages including the Fraser Fir, Korean Fir and Balsam Fir.
Growth
This species can apparently grow up to 85 metres tall with a trunk diameter of 2 metres, although the tallest tree officially on record is located in Russia and is only 60.5 metres tall. The largest trunk diameter was recorded in New Zealand at a massive 181 cm.
The needles are 2-3 cm’s long and dark green in colour on top, with a white colour underneath.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase, you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Pinacaea
CLIMATE:
Cold to Cool Temperate Climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-34 to 28°C / -29 to 82°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil and can cope in very slightly clayish soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 60 metres (200 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 20 metres (65 feet)
pH:
4.5-6.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Slow Growing
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light to Medium dependent on season.
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated. Monoecious – which means both male and female cones are separate but found on the same tree.
MATURITY:
20-40 years
GERMINATION RATES:
40-60%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification for 6-8 weeks, post sowing germination usually begins at approximately 4-6 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
12-15
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
None we know of
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Fir needles can be used to make tea.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT ABIES NORDMANNIANA
The Nordmann Fir is a popular Christmas tree in many parts of Europe due to its beautiful foliage, natural cone shape and long lasting needles. The same characteristics have made it a popular choice for bonsai growers.
Denmark alone grows approximately 9 million Nordmann Firs every year. However, in its native habitat the species is classified as endangered but has been heavily planted in some regions for deforestation purposes.
The timber is heavily used in the construction industry as also for paper pulp production.
