Abies nordmanniana ssp. nordmanniana

 

Scientific Name: Abies nordmanniana ssp. nordmanniana
Common Name: Caucasian fir
Type: Needled evergreen
Family: Pinaceae
Native Range: Greece
Height: 35 to 50 feet
Spread: 15 to 25 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun Tolerance: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Leaves: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Genus: Abies
Family: Pinaceae

Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana is a large evergreen coniferous tree  with a columnar growth habit. The leaves of the tree are needle like, flattened, 1.8 – 3.5 cm long and 2 millimeters wide by 0.5 millimeters in thickness. They are glossy dark green above and have two blue – white, silvery bands of stomata below. The leaves have a glossy dark, green upper surface with white undersides. The leaf tip is usually blunt, often slightly notched at the tip but can be pointed, particularly on young trees. The leaves also give off a citrus smell when crushed. The flowers are monoaceous and wind pollinated. The cones of the tree are 10 – 20 centimeters long and 4 – 5 centimeters broad, with about 150 – 200 scales, with each scale bearing an excerpted bract and two winged seed. The trunk may achieve a diameter of 2 meters and bears tiered branches. The bark is grey brown and quite smooth with resin blisters. The new stems are grey to light brown in color. It will survive in dry conditions but much prefers cooler climates. Its growth rate is slower in dense shade. 

Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana, commonly known as the Caucasian Fir, Nordmann Fir and Christmas Tree, is native to the Caucasus mountains and northeastern Turkey. It is a popular ornamental tree. It was originally brought into the United Kingdom in 1848 from southern Russia. This tree also suffers very little needle loss so is described as the ‘non drop’ tree.

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