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.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Abies |
| Scientific Name | Abies nordmanniana |
Quick Information
| Other Names | Caucasian Fir, Kazazdagi Fir |
| Size | 40-60 ft (12.1-18.2 m); may grow to more than 250 ft (76.2 m) |
| Identification | Leaves (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 Type | Evergreen |
| Distribution | Georgia, Turkey, North Armenia, Russian Caucasus Mountains, Northwest Azerbaijan |
| Hardiness Zones | 4-7 |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Lifespan | More than 50 years |
| Growing Conditions | Winter 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/Problems | Bagworms, woody adelgids, scales, spider mites, and twig aphids |
| Breeding System | Monoecious |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Seed Production | Each cone has scales with seeds; these scales disintegrate at maturity to release the seeds |
| Seedling Development | Easy to germinate |
| Wildlife Value | Provides food and habitat for many bird and animal species |
| Cultivars |
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| Uses | As Christmas trees; ornamental trees in gardens and parks, wood is used to make paper |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |
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.
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.
References