Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana): Premier Christmas Tree

Nordmann fir is a majestic conifer native to the Caucasus Mountains, the most popular Christmas tree in Europe due to its excellent needle retention, symmetrical form, and glossy dark green needles.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This evergreen tree grows 50–200 feet tall in nature (smaller in cultivation) with a perfect pyramidal shape. Needles are flat, dark green, glossy above, with two white bands below, not prickly. Cones are large, cylindrical, upright, disintegrating on tree. Bark is gray, smooth, becoming fissured.

Cultivation and Uses

Nordmann fir prefers full sun to partial shade, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It is the #1 Christmas tree in Europe, holding needles for weeks. Also grown for timber and ornamental. Slow-growing when young.

Note

Named after Finnish botanist Alexander von Nordmann.