Nordmann Fir, Caucasian Fir (Abies nordmanniana)
The Nordmann or Caucasian Fir is a fast-growing conifer which reaches heights of up to 30 metres. The dark green needles follow a brush-like arrangement. Commonly planted in parks. Also a popular Christmas tree.
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Appearance
The Nordmann or Caucasian Fir is a fast-growing conifer which reaches heights of up to 30 metres. The dark green needles follow a brush-like arrangement. Commonly planted in parks. Also a popular Christmas tree.
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Leaves
Rigid linear needles with rounded tip and wide, round base, entire. Dark green above, bluish-green below. 2-3.5cm long, 0.2-0.3cm wide. Brush-like arrangement of needles.
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Leaf upperside
Rigid linear needles with rounded tip and wide, round base, entire. Dark green above, bluish-green below. 2-3.5cm long, 0.2-0.3cm wide. Brush-like arrangement of needles.
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Leaf underside
Rigid linear needles with rounded tip and wide, round base, entire. Dark green above, bluish-green below. 2-3.5cm long, 0.2-0.3cm wide. Brush-like arrangement of needles.
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Bark
Pale grey to mid-grey bark, fairly smooth. Old bark is silver-grey (grey-brown in the fissures), grainy with shallow furrows.
Application
Gardens, parks, forage for birds, bird protection
Native regions
Turkey, Caucasian countries
Location parameters
Light: sunny to off-sun; soil type: sandy-loamy to loamy-clayey; nutrient concentration: normal to high; pH value of the soil: slightly acid to alkaline; soil: fresh to moist.
Demands
Intolerant of soil compaction; tolerates slightly alkaline soil, the leaves drop in late summer when planted in dry, hot locations; very frost-hardy. Prefers locations with high humidity. Not fume-hardy. Ideal for plant lovers. Young plant must protected from east winds and winter sun. Does not require pruning. Light: sun to off-sun.
Growth
25- 30m high, 7-10m in diameter
Leaves
Rigid linear needles with rounded tip and wide, round base, entire. Dark green above, bluish-green below. 2-3.5cm long, 0.2-0.3cm wide. Brush-like arrangement of needles.
Flowers
Flowering period: IV-V. Attractive, luminous red male flower, singly or in clusters, pendent in the axils of the upper needles. The female flower is reddish, monoecious, upright, terminal, oblong.
Fruits
Brown resinous cones 15-20cm long, 2-4cm wide, with triangular seeds on thin, pale brown wings. Cylindrical form, upright, with broadly tapering seed scales. Protruding bracts curve outwards.
Bark
Pale grey to mid-grey bark, fairly smooth. Old bark is silver-grey (grey-brown in the fissures), grainy with shallow furrows.
Roots
Deep-rooting.