Family: Pinaceae
Common name: Nordmann fir, Caucasian fir, Christmas tree fir
Nordmann fir is an impressively majestic tree grown as Christmas trees, and also in parks and public gardens. They are native to Turkey, Georgia, and parts of Russia, but they now grow and thrive in the temperate weather of North America and Europe as well.
Tree Characteristics
These grandiose trees can reach heights of 50-60 meters with a straight cylindrical trunk that can grow up to 2 meters in diameter. Nordmann fir trees have a symmetrical, pyramidal shape making them ideal Christmas trees with dense branches even towards the base of the tree.
Leaves of the tree are small needle-like, about 2-4 cm long, arranged all around the stem giving the tree a lush-green blanket covering.
They are dark glossy green with 2 distinctive white bands on the lower surface. These beautiful thickly-arranged leaves make the tree a garden favorite adding color and character to the garden.
Nordmann firs produce male and female flowers, the male one being small, yellowish-brown in color, about 1 cm in diameter. Female flowers are initially purple, gradually growing into cylindrical seed cones that are 20-25 cm in length.
These seed cones stand upright when they are small, slowly tilting downwards as they mature. The scales of the cone are smooth with a slightly rounded edge, dark brown in color opening up slightly to release small winged seeds that can be dispersed far from the parent tree in the wind.
Gardening Tips
Nordmann firs can grow tall and wide, and this has to be kept in mind while planting them allowing enough space for growth. They prefer full sun or partial shade, with regular watering when the trees are small.
Once they are established in the soil, these trees need no maintenance or care. Pruning is needed only to remove sick or browning branches, which is quite rare since the trees are resistant to common pests.
Uses of Nordmann fir
These trees have some medicinal uses in the treatment of skin irritations, cuts, wounds, inflammations, cough, sore throat, and respiratory tract infections. They are very commonly used a Christmas trees since the needles stay green for a long time after the tree is cut.
The wood is durable and light, used to make paper and small wooden articles.
These trees are named after a Finnish zoologist Alexander von Nordmann, a close associate of Christian von Steven who named the tree.
Propagation of the Nordmann Fir is through seeds or by grafting.
Photographed at: Cromwell road, London
