Abies nordmanniana - Nordmann Fir

Also known as the Caucasian Fir, this is the tree which is often seen at Christmas-time as a more expensive alternative to the Norway Spruce. It is becoming ever more popular as a Christmas tree because it has luxuriant foliage with attractive flattened leaves which don’t shrivel and drop in heated rooms. It makes a large, handsome tree, fast-growing after the first few years, and is often planted to replace the disease-prone Silver Fir.

Site and soil

The Nordmann Fir requires deep, moist soil in full sun, although it does best if given a little shade in its early years. It does well at high altitudes.

Height and spread

After 10 years: 8m x 3m
After 20 years: 15m x 4m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are 2-3.5cm long, needle-like but flattened. The upper surface is glossy green, blue-white below. The bark is grey and smooth, splitting into squarish plates as it ages.

Flower, seed and fruit

The small brownish flowers are produced in clusters in late April; the female flowers only appear near the top of the tree. The green cones, which are about 15cm in length, ripen to brown in autumn.

Uses

Parks, large gardens, specimen tree. Grown commercially as a long-lasting Christmas tree. The wood is used in buildings and for paper.

Wildlife

Insects shelter in the plates of the bark. Birds like the Siskin and the Crossbill are attracted to the Nordmann Fir for nesting sites and to feed on the insects and cones.