Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana)

Abies nordmanniana, known as the Nordmann Fir, is an evergreen fir indigenous to the mountains south and east of the Black Sea, in Turkey, Georgia and the Russian Caucasus. It occurs at altitudes between 900 and 2,200 metres on mountains with precipitation of over 1,000 mm per annum. The Nordmann Fir is a dense, pyramidal conifer that typically grows to 15 metres in height with a spread of 6 metres wide in cultivation, but may reach 60 metres in its native habitat.

Trees are typically branched to the ground. Branches are densely clad with flattened, glossy dark green needles 3cm long. The needles have two white bands underneath and the bark is charcoal grey. Cylindrical seed cones are up to 15cm long and are a dark reddish-brown. As is distinctive with Firs, the cones appear upright on the branches. Cones disintegrate (scales drop) after the seeds ripen.

The Nordmann Fir is best grown in rich, consistently moist, acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Trees will grow poorly in heavy clay soils. As the Nordmann Fir is native to cool climates, it is not recommended for planting in regions with hot and humid summer conditions. Trees are generally intolerant of urban pollution.

Unlike other Firs, such as the Korean Fir, the Nordmann Fir needles lack any significant scent. It is a slow-growing tree; a typical 1.8m tall tree will have taken the grower around ten years to grow.