Abies
Abies nordmanniana
Nordmann fir, Caucasian fir
Nordmanns-Tanne, Kaukasus-Tanne - Sapin du Caucase - Nordmannspar
| Height: | 25 - 30 (60) m |
| Crown: | broad pyramidal, later oval |
| Bark and branches: | bark smooth and grey, later dark brown and grooved |
| Leaf: | dark green needles, 2 - 3 cm, 2 white stripes underneath |
| Flower: | unremarkable |
| Fruits: | cones, 12 - 15 (20) cm long, 5 cm thick, autumn |
| Application: | park tree |
| Soil type: | heavier, water-retaining soil |
| Wind resistance: | good |
| Origin: | Western Caucasus |
| Winter hardiness zone: | 5b |
| Synonym: | - |
Large conifer with a broad, pyramidal crown and side branches growing horizontally at even intervals. Specimens as old as 500 years and as high as 60 m can be found in its natural area of distribution. It ultimately grows to a width of 7 - 9 m. Given adequate space around the tree, the lower branches remain on the tree. Young specimens grow slowly, but as the tree ages, growth quickens somewhat. The young branches are olive green and the small buds do not have any sap. In the winter, the buds turn reddish brown. The shiny, dark green needles have 2 white stripes underneath. After the tree bears striking flowers, upright green cones appear in autumn and then turn brown. Abies nordmanniana was discovered by A. von Nordmann, director of the Odessa botanical gardens in the early 19th century, when on a search through the Caucasus.
