Abies nordmanniana, the Caucasian or Nordmann fir, is a majestic conifer of the Pinaceae family, native to the mountains of the Caucasus, eastern Europe and Asia Minor. It is widely grown as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens and as a Christmas tree.

Characteristics
A large evergreen tree with a conical, symmetrical outline, reaching 60-70 m in the wild and usually 40-50 m in cultivation. The needles are long and flat, arranged spirally around the shoots, glossy dark green above with two white stomatal bands beneath, the species' distinctive feature. The large, pointed, purplish brown cones stand upright on the upper branches and ripen over two years. The bark is smooth and grey when young, becoming rough and scaly with age; the deep root system makes it stable in strong wind.

Growing and care
Well drained, fertile soil with neutral to slightly acid pH, in sun or partial shade; water regularly in dry spells while young, though it is drought tolerant once established. Pruning is limited to damaged or badly placed branches, and a slow release feed in early spring is enough. Generally healthy, it can suffer from woolly aphid and fungal problems under stress or poor ventilation, and is very tolerant of winter cold.

Uses
An ornamental specimen for parks and gardens and one of the most popular Christmas trees, thanks to its regular shape, dense foliage and good needle retention after cutting.