Species Caucasian fir
A brown trunk, with multiple brown branches full of dark-green leaves.

Caucasian fir

Abies nordmanniana

The Caucasian fir is amazingly impressive. It is a large evergreen conifer tree native to the Caucasus Mountains, usually reaching a height of 35-45 meters (115-150 feet). It has a tall, straight trunk and a dense, roundish canopy of branches covered in short, sharp needles. The tree is notable for its incredibly tough wood and its outstanding resistance to disease and pests. Native to a range of climates from extremely cold and snowy to mild and temperate, the Caucasian fir is ideally adaptable and hardy. It’s also extremely fast-growing and can reach a mature height within six to seven years. There’s a reason why it’s been used as a Christmas tree for centuries!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 6

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Caucasian fir needs to be watered regularly to ensure healthy growth. Water the plant deeply 1 to 2 times a week, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. During the hot summer months, water once a week unless soil is very dry, then water twice a week. In cooler temperatures, watering once every 2 weeks is sufficient. Water around the base of the tree, allowing seepage into the soil. Avoid overhead watering, especially during warmer temperatures as this can damage delicate needles and buds. When in doubt, water deeply but less frequently.

sunlight

Caucasian firs (Abies nordmanniana) thrive in full sun to partial shade. In sunnier climates, they will do best in full sun, whereas in cooler climates they may need some protection from the strong afternoon sunshine. Ideally, the Caucasian fir should receive about 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably in the morning. When grown in shade, the foliage will be much darker and it may not grow to its full potential.

pruning

Caucasian fir (Abies nordmanniana) is an attractive evergreen conifer that requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and health. Pruning should be carried out in early spring, before the new buds break or during the late spring/early summer. It is recommended to prune 1/3 of the tree’s foliage each year and concentrate mostly on older branches and foliage. Remove branches and stems that are crossing, growing inward, or dead and dying (these can be identified by their brown needles). Pruning should be done carefully and the branch or stem should be cut as close to the entrance of the side branch or stem as possible to avoid leaving a long stub. It is also important to change the direction of the trim slightly each year to encourage more dense growth and prevent an unnatural or lopsided look.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Abies nordmanniana typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map