Common Name: Nikko fir
Type: Needled evergreen
Family: Pinaceae
Native Range: Central and southern Japan
Zone: 4 to 6
Height: 30.00 to 50.00 feet
Spread: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Thrives in cool climates, and does not grow well south of USDA Zone 6.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Abies homolepis, commonly called Nikko fir, is native to mountainous areas of Japan. It typically grows 30-50’ tall with a pyramidal habit. Needles (to 1.25” long) are glossy dark green above and have two white stomatal bands beneath. Needles are slightly notched at the tip. Purplish cones (to 4” long).
Genus name is an ancient Latin name for a tree described by Pliny around 77 A.D.
Specific epithet refers to the cone scales, which are of the same kind and size.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Reportedly tolerates urban pollution better than most other firs.
Uses
Large specimen fir for the landscape.