Family
Pinaceae
Botanical Name
Abies bornumelleriana
Plant Common Name
Bornmueller's Fir
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Rare in cultivation but occurring naturally only in a small area of northwestern Turkey, Bornmueller's fir has a controversial identity. While some taxonomists consider it nothing more that a variant of the Caucasian or Nordman's fir (Abies nordmanniana), others think it arose from the natural hybridization of the Nordman's fir with the Greek fir (A. cephalonica). Regardless of origin, this pyramidal but narrow evergreen tree demonstrates increased tolerance to heavier textured soils than most other fir species.
The gray-brown bark is smooth but with resin blisters, showing some bark plates when the tree attain great age. The horizontal branches radiate uniformly and symmetrically from the bole. Branchlets are densely covered in rich green needles that turn deeper green with a hint of black. Needles also grow slightly upward on the branches and are heavily perfumed when crushed. Female cones are oblong and mature to dark reddish brown.
Grow Bornmueller's fir in full sun to light shade in any moist but well-drained soil, including clays that are slightly alkaline in pH. Difficult to find in the nursery trade, it's a smaller-growing alternative to Nordman's fir that is so attractive when small that it could be the most beautiful candidate for a cut Christmas tree.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Brown, Sienna
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
