Abies nordmanniana (Nordmann Fir)

This fir is native to the mountains south 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. The species is named after Alexander von Nordmann (1803-1866), Professor of Botany at Odessa. It was brought originally into the UK in 1848 from southern Russia.

A large shapely evergreen conifer that is not too bushy, with good space between the branches and has a trunk up to 2m in diameter. The bark is grey-brown and smooth with resin blisters. New stems are grey/light brown and 1.8-3.5cm flattened, needles, with glossy dark green uppers and blue/white undersides, densley cover the branches. It produces pale brown/red oval buds which are sometimes resinous and cylindrical cones which are 10-20cm long and 4-5cm wide.  The cones start off green but mature to a red/brown and contain winged seeds which are released in autumn (Oct).

Abies nordmanniana grows best in moist, free draining, fertile soil in full sun. It will survive in dry conditions but much prefers cooler climates. Growth is slower in dense shade and it cannot tolerate pollution.

The wood from these trees is not of good quality but is used in construction and for pulp.

Abies nordmanniana as a Christmas tree

This tree has become increasingly popular over recent years. It has a good looking shape and dense lower branches which are covered in soft wide and flat deep green coloured needles. The needles give off a citrus smell when crushed.

The dense foliage means that electric light cables can be easily hidden and branches do not droop much until the tree dries out.

Perhaps the main reason why the tree has become a firm favourite is because it suffers from very little needle loss. Indeed, many retailers market it as the 'Non-Drop' tree.