Abies nordmanniana
Contents
Common Names
Caucasian Fir Tree, Nordman Fir, Christmas Tree
Family
Description
A large, pyramidal conifer with glossy dark green needles which are lighter underneath. Needles are 1.8 - 3.5 cm long and 2 mm wide, while cones are 10 - 20 cm long and 5 cm wide.[1]
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| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Group | Conifer |
| Toxic Parts? | No |
| Height | 30 - 60 m |
| Crown Diameter | 20 m |
| Crown Shape | pyramidal |
| Shade Tree? | yes |
| Autumn Colour? | no |
| Age | 50 - ? years |
| Time to Maturity | 20 - 50 years |
| Flower Colour | red |
| Fruit Colour | brown |
| Bee Friendly? | - |
Native Areas
A fir native to the mountains west and east of the Black Sea, in Turkey, Georgia, Russian Caucasus and northern parts of Armenia. It occurs at altitudes of 900-2,200 m on mountains with a rainfall of over 1,000 mm. [1]
Preferred growing conditions
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to ensure an established root system. A mulch is recommended around the root region during winter and in cold regions. [2]
| Soil pH Range | 5.5 - 7 (slight acid - neutral) |
| Soil Types | Sand, Silt, Clay, Loam |
| Drainage | well drained |
| Soil Fertility | - |
| Sunshine | full sun |
| Soil Moisture | normal - moist |
| Tolerates Exposure | yes |
| Growth Rate | (moderate) |
Hardiness
| RHS | USDA | EGF |
| H | 4A | H1 |
How to plant
Water container-grown and rootballed trees well and allow to drain an hour before planting. While it drains dig out an area for the tree that is about 2 to 3 times the diameter of the container or rootball and the same depth as the container or rootball. If the soil is compacted loosen with a fork (this includes the sides of the hole). But beware of having soil that is too loose on the bottom as this will cause the tree to be lower than desired upon watering.
- If container-grown, put the tree on its side and remove the container. Place in the hole and loosen the roots around the edges without breaking up the root ball too much. Check the depth by place a cane or stick across the diameter - only the root collar should be below and not the main stem.
- If planting a balled and burlapped tree, remove ties or nails from the burlap at the top of the ball and using a knife if necessary, pull the top of the burlap back, so it does not stick out of the hole when the soil is replaced. Synthetic burlap should be completely removed as it will not decompose. Note burlap sticking out of the hole can wick water away from the tree.
- For bareroot trees, feel the moisture of the roots by hand - if dry, dunk them in an bucket of water for 10-15 seconds and replace the packaging (if you are not going to plant at that time). Do not plant too deeply - only plant up to the root collar. i.e. the stem should not be covered in soil. Ensure roots are planted firmly and have good contact with the soil.
Fill in the hole with soil and compost, but do not add less than half of the original soil.
Using the soil, create a water ring around the outer edge of the hole. Not only does this conserve water, but it will also direct moisture to the perimeter roots, encouraging outer growth. Once the tree is established, the water ring may be levelled. Studies show that mulched trees grow faster than those unmulched, so add a 3 inch layer of pinestraw, compost, or pulverized bark over backfilled area [3].
Only prune lower damaged branches if necessary. Water newly planted trees regularly in their first year. Staking is also important in new trees and in exposed areas - a 1 m stake at 45 degrees crossing the stem at a height of 15 cm can provide good support. Be careful of the binding of the stake to ensure the tree is not strangled. Binding should be checked in the second year, as the stem will thicken.
When to plant
Early to mid-Autumn, for cold, wet sites wait until early to mid-Spring [4]. Saplings are often only available as bareroot in the winter. Container-grown trees can generally be planted all year round except when it is very hot and dry or the ground is frozen.
Tree care
| Hedging Potential | yes |
| Balcony/Roof Terrace | no |
| Indoors | no |
Maintain a single leader from its youth and keep a 1 m radius of the base weed free and mulched [4]
Potential Pests and Diseases
| Pests | bagworms, adelgids, aphids, scale, mites |
| Diseases | blight, cankers, phytophthora |
Ecology
Insects shelter in the plates of the bark. Birds like the Siskin and the Crossbill are attracted to the Caucasian Fir for nesting sites and to feed on the insects and cones [5].
History and Human Connection
This conifer is named after Alexander von Nordmann (1803 - 1866), a Finnish biologist who was professor of Zoology at the University of Helsinki. It was introduced into Britain in 1848 [6]
Uses
- Often used as a Christmas tree as these conifers have good needle retention after being cut.
- As an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to their attractive foliage.
- The soft white wood is used for construction and paper making [1]
- As a potentially large tree it provides shelter and screening
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wikipedia
- ↑ www.aflowersgarden.com
- ↑ backyardgardener.com
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 RHS
- ↑ britishardwood.co.uk
- ↑ Online Atlas of British and Irish Flora