Nordmann Fir, The Perfect Tree

It was the “show stopper” of the Mid-Atlantic Nurserymen’s Trade Show (MANTS) in January. Eliciting both comments and questions: “What is that gorgeous tree?” “Is that some kind of spruce?” “It is so perfectly formed.” Trade show attendees were compelled to walk into our booth and literally pet the tree. That was the giveaway – “Oh, it’s a fir. . . I do not believe I have ever seen one so lovely. What zone?”

Abies nordmanniana, a.k.a. Nordmann or Caucasian Fir, is probably the handsomest of all in the Abies genera. Originating in the Caucasus Mountains of Asia Minor, this evergreen beauty may attain heights of 200 feet or more in the wild. Under cultivation, Nordmann Fir may grow up to 60 feet tall with a spread of approximately 25 to 30 feet. The soft black green needles are borne on symmetrically arranged branches exhibiting a perfectly pyramidal specimen evergreen.

Firs prefer a moist, well-drained, acidic soil similar to that found in a forest environment for optimum growth and performance. Under cultivation at Angelica, the block plantings have been quite tolerant to a wide range of field growing conditions in our zone 6b region. Angelica has experienced extreme pendulum swings in weather over the past three years. From blistering drought to torrential downpour and flooding, the Nordmanns have shown their ability to acclimatize and flourish under these erratic conditions.

Please check our availability and specials listings for sizing and pricing on this landscape beauty.

And, by the way, Abies nordmanniana is zoned at 4 to 6.