Abies cilicica (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30m
Eventual Spread: 10m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Pinaceae
Abies cilicica is an evergreen coniferous tree with a narrowly conical habit. Its gray green leaves are needle like, flattened with a pointed tip, up to 4cm long and 3mm broad. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of up to 1m. Its grey/ light brown bark is smooth, becoming scaly and fissured with age. Its male flowers are pale yellow pollen cones. Its fruit are erect cones, up to 25cm long and 6cm broad, green when young, maturing to red/ brown.
Abies cilicica, commonly known as the Taurus Fir or Cilicia Fir, is native to the north east corner of the Mediterranean region. In its native habitat it grows in mountainous environments in mixed woodland at an altitude between 800m – 2100m.
The etymological root of the binomial name Abies is derived from the ancient Latin name for the Fir tree. Cilicica is named after the ancient region of Cilicia, which is now located in south Turkey.
Although unusual in cultivation the landscape architect may find Abies cilicica useful as an attractive ornamental evergreen tree..
Abies cilicica Leaf (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Abies cilicica seeds are attractive to some birds.
Abies cilicica prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It will tolerate most pH of soil.
Abies cilicica requires little maintenance.
