Healing properties of fir. Medicines from fir and its medicinal properties
- This evergreen, having a conical crown. The top of the fir starts from the base of the trunk. In mature trees, the top of the crown is rounded or notched.
The color of the periderm is gray, it is not wrinkled in most. The periderm of mature trees becomes thicker and cracks over time. Some garden species have green-gray or green-blue needles. The needles of most trees are flat, dark green in color with milky stripes below.
Fir has a pleasant pine smell. There are about forty species of fir, but not all of them are suitable for garden design, since individual plants grow up to sixty meters. The cones are located at the top of the crown. The development of buds takes decades. Fir cones fall to the ground in stiff parts. The fir root is taprooted and strong.
There are fir trees with decorative cones, these include the following types: Korean fir, Wich fir, single-color fir, Fraser fir, Siberian fir. Fir is divided into species, which, in turn, have various varieties. Below are the most popular and widespread varieties of fir.
Did you know? Distinctive feature fir plants is the location of resin ducts in the periderm, and not in the wood.
Homeland: North America and Canada. The crown of the tree is symmetrical, dense, pin-shaped, and located low. Plant height is from 15 to 25 meters. With age, the periderm changes its color from ash-gray to red-brown, and the shoots change from ruby to red-brown. The branches are arranged in a ring shape in tiers. The needles are shiny, poisonous green, with a pronounced balsamic smell, small cones of lilac color. 
The cones are cylindrical, up to ten centimeters long. This type of fir is shade-tolerant, frost-resistant and fast-growing. The branches of the lower tier take root well. Balsam fir is represented by several decorative garden forms of such varieties as Nana and Hudsonia.
Balsam fir variety Nana is a slow-growing plant in the form of a dwarf bush. The bush is mundane, cushion-shaped, the height does not exceed fifty centimeters, and the diameter is eighty centimeters. The needles of the bush are short, ruby in color, strongly knitted, and smell pleasant. Nana is winter-hardy, but does not tolerate high temperatures and drought.
The homeland of single-color fir is the mountainous regions of the United States and northern Mexico. Trees grow up to sixty meters. The crown is wide and conical. The periderm is dense, light gray in color with oblong cracks. The needles of single-color fir are the largest among other species, their length is about six centimeters. 
The color of the needles is matte bluish-green on all sides, they are soft and have a pleasant lemon aroma. The cones are dark purple in color, their length reaches 12 cm, and their shape is oval-cylindrical. Single-color fir is a fast-growing tree, resistant to winds, smoke, drought and frost. Lives about 350 years. Single-color fir has several decorative forms, among them popular varieties such as Violacea and Compacta.
Violacea is a lilac single-color fir. The top of the tree is wide, conical, and the height does not exceed eight meters. The needles are oblong, white and blue. This form of fir is rarely found in ornamental plantings. 
Campacta is a dwarf, slow-growing shrub with randomly placed branches. The length of the needles reaches forty centimeters, the color is blue. Just like Violaceu, it can be found very rarely.
Cephalline fir (Greek)
Cefallin fir lives in the south of Albania and Greece, in the mountains at an altitude of up to two thousand meters above sea level. The plant grows up to 35 meters in height, the diameter of the trunk reaches two meters. The crown is thick, conical, low. The periderm becomes cracked over time. The young are bare, polished to the touch, shiny, bright brown or red-brown in color. The buds are cone-shaped, resinous, red-purple in color. 
Needles up to 3.5 cm in length and no more than three millimeters wide. The tops of the needles are sharp, the needles themselves are shiny and thick, dark green at the top and pale green at the bottom. The needles are arranged in a spiral, close to each other. The cones are narrow, cylindrical, resinous, and large. At first the cones are purple in color, and as they ripen they become brownish-purple. Greek fir is drought-resistant, grows slowly, and is afraid of cold winters.
Whole leaf fir (black Manchurian)
The homeland of whole-leaved fir is the south of Primorye, Northern China and Korea. The tree grows up to 45 meters. The crown is dense, broadly pyramidal, loose, lowered to the ground. A distinctive feature of this type of fir is the color of the bark - at first it is dark gray and then black. Young seedlings have a yellow-gray periderm. The needles are dense, hard, sharp, solid. The top of the dark green needles is shiny, and the bottom is lighter. 
The needles are arranged in waves on the branches. Black Manchurian fir changes its needles every nine years. The cones are cylindrical, light brown in color, resinous, velvety pubescent. The first ten years of life it grows slowly, and then growth increases rapidly. The lifespan of a tree is 400 years. The tree is winter-hardy, shade-tolerant, wind-resistant, and requires high soil and environmental moisture.
Nordmann fir (Caucasian)
The homeland of Caucasian fir is the western Caucasus and Türkiye. Nordmann fir grows up to 60 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to two meters. The crown is narrow, cone-shaped, densely branched. Young plantings have a shiny light brown or yellow color periderm, which turns gray over time. The young are shiny red-brown and then white-gray in color. 
The needles are dark green, dense, the bottom of the needles is silver. Rarely seen, since the tree has low winter hardiness. There are several varieties of fir for decorative cultivation: Pendula Aurea, Gtauka, Albo-spicata. 
Did you know? The lifespan of the Nordmann fir is five hundred years.
Sakhalin fir is native to Sakhalin and Japan. The plant is highly decorative, up to thirty meters high, has a smooth periderm of a dark steel color, which becomes darker as it grows. The diameter of the seedling does not exceed one meter. The branches of the wide-conical dense crown are slightly curved upward. 
The needles are soft, dark green, with milky stripes on the bottom. The length of the needles reaches four centimeters, the width is no more than two millimeters. The cones are placed vertically, the shape is cylindrical. The color of the cones is brown or black-blue, length 8 cm, diameter 3 cm. The plant is frost-resistant and requires increased moisture in the air and soil.
Subalpine fir (mountain)
Mountain fir comes from high mountains North America. The height does not exceed 40 meters, the trunk is 60 cm in diameter. The tops of the trees are low-growing, narrowly conical. Subalpine fir has a smooth, gray periderm covered with small cracks. The top of the needles is a matte grassy blue, and the bottom has two white stripes. The needles are attached in two rows. Subalpine fir has cylindrical cones; ripening occurs annually at the end of August. There are types of mountain fir suitable for ornamental cultivation. 
Argentea is a mountain fir with silver needles. Glauka is a subalpine fir up to 12 meters high, with a pyramid-shaped crown and elongated steel or blue needles. Compacta is a dwarf fir no more than one and a half meters in height with a wide, well-branched crown. The needles are silver-sky in color, with bluish stripes at the bottom. The shape of the needles is similar to a sickle, length is 3 cm. The needles are located tightly. Low-growing varieties are widespread among amateur gardeners. 
Important! Young fir seedlings must be covered for the winter, as they are afraid of spring frosts.
It grows in mountain ranges from one hundred to 1850 meters above sea level in the south of the Korean Peninsula and Jeju Island. This type of fir was discovered in 1907. The seedling does not grow higher than 15 meters. The young are first yellow and then red, covered with thin fibers. The needles are short, shiny dark green at the top and white at the bottom. The cones are a beautiful bright blue with a purple tint. Grows slowly, winter-hardy. 
Varieties such as Blue Standard are widespread - tall trees with dark purple cones; Brevifolia is a tree with a rounded crown, marsh-green needles at the top and gray-white below, and small purple cones; Silberzverg is a low, slow-growing variety of fir with silver-colored needles, a rounded crown and short, densely branched branches; Piccolo is a shrub about thirty centimeters high, reaches a diameter of up to one and a half meters with a flat spreading crown, the needles are dark herbaceous in color.
Tall fir (noble)
The tall fir reaches a height of 100 meters. The homeland of noble fir is the western part of North America. The habitat is river valleys and gentle slopes near the ocean. This is practically the most tall view fir trees It has a cone-shaped crown when the seedlings are young, and as the seedling ages, the crown will become dome-shaped. Young growth has a gray-brown smooth periderm, and older seedlings have a dark brown periderm covered with oblong cracks. 
Young branches are olive-green or red-brown, in cannon. Older branches are bare. The needles are small, curved at the base. The top of the needles is shiny green and the bottom is bluish. The shape of the cones is oblong-cylindrical, length up to 12 cm, diameter 4 cm. Not ripe cones are emerald or red-brown in color, but ripe ones are dark brown-gray resinous. The lifespan of noble fir is about 250 years. The seedling grows quickly.
Did you know? The periderm, needles and buds of fir are used to make medicinal drugs. They contain essential oils and tannins.
The homeland of fir is Central Japan, its habitat is mountains. The height is about forty meters. The branches of the plant are short, located perpendicular to the trunk, the crown is pyramid-shaped. The trunk is covered with a smooth white-gray periderm. The young are covered with a pubescent periderm of gray or emerald color. 
The needles are soft, slightly curved, no more than 2.5 cm. The top of the needles is shiny dark green, the bottom is decorated with milky stripes. The length of the cones is about 7 cm. Unripe cones become red-blue-lilac in color over time. chestnut color. The plant is winter-hardy, fast-growing, and resistant to smoke.
The homeland of this fir species is North America. The height of the tree is 25 meters, the top is pyramid-shaped or conical. The young fir trunk is covered with a gray periderm, and the old trunk is red, the branches are yellow-gray. The needles are short, shiny dark green above and silvery below. The cones are short, decorative, and purplish-brown in color when mature. 
The plant is winter-hardy, but does not tolerate air pollution well. Fraser fir is used for landscaping parks, forest parks and suburban areas. There is a shrub with perpendicular placement of branches - prostrate Fraser fir.
The homeland of Siberian fir is Siberia. Rarely found in landscaping. The height of the plant does not exceed thirty meters. The crown is narrow, cone-shaped. The branches are thin, lowered to the ground. The periderm at the bottom of the trunk is cracked, at the top it is rough and dark gray. The shoots are covered with thick pile. The needles are soft, narrow and blunt at the end, up to three centimeters long.
The color of the needles is dark green shiny at the top and two parallel milky stripes at the bottom. Siberian fir changes its needles every 11 years. The cones are erect, cylindrical, initially light chestnut or light purple, and then light brown in color. The plant is winter-hardy and shade-tolerant. There is Siberian blue, white, and motley. They differ only in the color of the needles.
Important! Fir cannot be planted in absolute shade, since its crown is fully formed only with sufficient lighting.
White fir (European)
White fir is a plant that grows up to 65 meters with a trunk diameter of up to one and a half meters. The crown of the plant is cone-shaped. The periderm is white-gray with a red tint. Young European fir are green or light chestnut in color, but over time they become gray-chestnut. The needles are dark green, silvery below. The European fir is native to the countries of Central and Southern Europe. The tree grows slowly and does not like windy areas.
You can recommend this article to your friends!
57
once already
helped
Fir is an evergreen coniferous plant belonging to the pine tree family. Outwardly, it is similar to spruce, but its needles are less prickly, the needles are smooth and shiny. IN medical purposes Mainly resin and Siberian fir oil are used. However, there are other healing drugs, and valuable medicinal properties fir decoction is proof of this.
A decoction is prepared from crushed bark or fir needles, rich in essential oils, vitamins, and biologically significant substances. The most valuable parts of the tree, saturated with beneficial essential oils, are the shoots and thin young branches of the tree with soft green soft needles.
Fir preparations with regenerative properties have long been successfully used as a means to treat both internal and external ailments:
- bronchopulmonary diseases;
- diseases of the digestive and excretory systems;
- anemia, atherosclerosis;
- resistance to infections, disinfection and fight against bacteria;
- treatment of tumors.
Unique composition of pine medicine
The rare combination of vitamins, useful bioactive substances, and microelements in fir needles and bark makes it possible to prepare various preparations from them that have a general strengthening effect on the body. However, when taking, for example, a decoction of fir, you can also specifically solve individual health problems.
| Vitamin C |
|
| Carotene |
|
| Vitamin E |
|
| Phytoncides |
|
| Flavonoids |
|
| Iron |
|
| Zinc |
|
| Cobalt |
|
| Copper |
|
| Manganese |
|
Contraindications and precautions
The use of fir decoction and other preparations based on this coniferous tree is strictly contraindicated if there is at least one of the symptoms:
- manifestation of allergies to fir preparations;
- individual intolerance to fir;
- cardiopalmus;
- acute gastritis, peptic ulcer;
- upset stomach, diarrhea;
- kidney diseases;
- seizures and tendency to such, epilepsy;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- childhood.
Attention: Drinking alcohol should not be combined with taking fir preparations!
Medicinal recipes for decoctions for health and longevity
For cooking healing decoctions Fir needles and tree bark are suitable.
Advice: Life cycles trees are replaced throughout the year, so when preparing raw materials, the concentration of medicinal substances must be taken into account. Thus, fir needles are most saturated with them by the end of spring, and the bark is most saturated with them at the beginning of winter.
Bark decoction
- Recipe for a decoction of fir bark used for diseases respiratory system:
Pour 0.5 l of crushed fir bark (2 tbsp.) hot water, boil for 8 minutes. Close the lid and leave to infuse for 1 hour, before using, cool and add boiled water to a volume of 400 ml. Take the decoction 4 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals 50 g. - Recipe for a decoction of fir bark used for migraines:
Pour crushed fir bark (2 tablespoons) into 0.5 liters of hot water and cook for 40 minutes. in a water bath. Before use, cool and add boiled water to the original volume. Take the decoction 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals, 100-120 ml. For frequent headaches, the course of treatment can last up to 2-3 weeks, but it gives a stable result. - Recipe for a decoction of fir bark used for arterial hypertension stages I and II:
Take 300 g of crushed bark, add 2 liters of water, simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes. Drink this decoction 100 ml 2-3 times a day. Treatment regimen: 10 days of taking the decoction, 10 days off. General course Treatment takes 1-2 months (depending on how you feel).
Attention: It is important to follow the dosage, otherwise, when taken orally, the decoction may cause the unpleasant sensation of severe heartburn.
Pine needle decoction
- Recipe for a decoction of pine needles used for skin diseases:
To prepare a decoction of fir, you need to take 1 liter of hot water and pour 10 tbsp. dry or fresh needles. Infuse the mixture for 3 days in a hermetically sealed glass jar, in a dark place. Application: 100 g of decoction once a day before meals for 1-2 months. - Recipe for a decoction of pine needles used for compresses for arthritis:
Pour 20 g of fresh fir needles into 1 cup of boiling water, boil for half an hour, strain and add water to the original volume. A compress with this decoction should be applied to sore spots for 30-40 minutes. - Recipe for a decoction of pine needles used for arthritis:
Pour 20 g of fir needles into 1 glass of water, boil for 30 minutes. Drink 2-3 tbsp. three times a day. - Recipe for a decoction of pine needles used for Raynaud's disease:
Grind fresh young fir needles (2 tbsp), 2 tbsp. chopped onion peels and 2 tbsp. crushed rose hips. Pour the resulting mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and boil for about 10 minutes. over low heat. Strain the finished broth, pour into a thermos and leave to infuse for 12 hours (for example, overnight). Dissolve 5 tbsp in warm broth. honey Take the product 4 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals 100 g.
The use of decoctions of fir bark and pine needles is useful for pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. Due to the fact that the medicinal properties of fir decoction normalize the processes of cleaning blood vessels, improve hematopoiesis, and remove toxins from the body, a person’s immune system is strengthened and overall well-being improves.
Both in winter and in summer, the evergreen Fir adequately meets all the weather pranks of nature. That is why the unyielding emerald Fir was a symbol of patience, dignity and rebirth among the ancient Slavs.
Shamans made talismans from Fir, granting the owner enormous intellectual and physical strength. In addition, like many conifers, Fir was a symbol of the new year and the birth of a new life.
fir names
According to one version Russian word“fir” comes from the Karelian “pihka”, which means “resin”. Thanks to the resin, fir branches have an amazing fragrant aroma.
According to another version, the word comes from the Latin “Fichte”, which actually translates as “Spruce”. Latin name"Abies" also translates to "spruce".
What does Fir look like?
Fir is a pyramidal tree with dense green needles. The branches of the Fir start from the ground itself, just like those of the Spruce.
Some types of trees reach 40 meters in height, but the diameter of the trunk remains about half a meter.
The root system consists of a central root deep into the ground and several near the surface. Thanks to this root system, Fir is incredibly stable. Even strong hurricanes cannot harm a tree.
The bark of the tree is smooth with small thickenings - nodules, which contain aromatic resin.
Where does Fir grow?
Fir is mainly distributed in the Urals, Siberia and the Far East. Some species are found in Canada and Alaska. Firs are even found in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Fir is quite demanding heat-loving tree and loves fertile, moderately moist soil. However, there are about 50 species of Fir growing in the world. The most common in Russia is Siberian Fir.
When does Fir bloom?
Fir grows slowly and in the first years of its life it gains only a few centimeters in height. Flowering occurs in spring in May.
The purple female cones ripen throughout the summer and fall in September. When all the seeds leave the cone, it completely crumbles.
The average age of Fir ranges from 300 to 400 years. The tree begins to bloom at about 60 years of age.
Medicinal properties of Fir
For medicinal purposes, bark, cones, resin, pine needles and branches are used.
Fir “paws” contain vitamin C. In addition, essential oil is extracted from them, which is a valuable component of many medicinal and cosmetic products. This oil is also extracted from tree branches.
Fir needles are capable of removing accumulated harmful substances from the body. In addition, it is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Infusions and decoctions of pine needles are taken to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Infusion from fir needles is also an excellent immunostimulant. This is especially true in spring. This drink not only strengthens the immune system, but also calms the nervous system.
Fir cones are steamed in a water bath and used to treat rheumatism and relieve joint pain.
Application of Fir
Despite the thorny branches, fir brooms are widely used in Siberia. Fir oil is also added to shampoos to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Fir wood is not of particular interest for carpentry. Due to the absence of resin in wood, it is susceptible to rotting to a greater extent than other species. However, Fir wood is the most valuable raw material for paper production.
Resonant Fir wood is used to make soundboards of various musical instruments.
Resin extracted from tree bark is used in the optical industry, medicine and perfumery.
Contraindications
When using Fir products for medical purposes, you must remember about individual intolerance to the components.
Fir oil should be used with extreme caution by nursing mothers and people with heart problems.
Before using Fir products in the treatment of any disease, you should consult your doctor.
Fir can reproduce by layering. If one of the lower branches touches the ground, it may take root and form a new tree. Elf fir is an unusual natural phenomenon.
The needles of cut Fir fall much less than the needles of Spruce, so Fir is sometimes given greater preference during the New Year holidays.
Fir cones unlike others coniferous species located vertically.
Fir contains phytoncides, so it can be used to disinfect a room.
Firs are very sensitive to factors such as dust and smoke, so they are rarely found in cities.
Authors of illustrations: solik25, merlu , vovafritz , Nick Vasiliev (Yandex.Photos)
Fir is an evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the Pine family. Our message will tell you in detail about this plant.
Description
Fir is a powerful plant. The trunk diameter of an adult tree is 1.5-2 meters, height - 80-100 meters, approximately the size of a 30-story building! This the most tall tree in Russia. Its thick dark green crown grows from the very bottom of the trunk and has the shape of a cone. From a distance the tree looks like a huge dark green pyramid.
Rod a powerful root goes deep into the ground. The wind cannot knock down such a tree.
The young bark is smooth and gray, thickens with age and becomes covered with cracks. The bark has many resin passages and convex tubercles in which resin accumulates. The needles are narrow and flat, non-thorny and soft to the touch, live 10-15 years, and do not fall off even after the branches dry out.
At first the tree grows very slowly, and in the 12-14th year of life the growth rate increases. Fir is a long-liver. She lives on average 300-400 years, some species live up to 600-700 years.
A forest of fir trees is called a fir forest. It is always very dark and damp. Lingonberries and herbs also grow at the roots. In the fir forest you can often find aspens, beeches, oaks, and maples.
Distribution and species
Fir distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere planets (, northern part of the Eurasian continent). Siberian fir is found even in the polar regions in the lower reaches of the Yenisei. There are 10 types of trees growing in Russia. Rich in these conifers and East Asia, especially Japan.
Some species are found in the northern part: Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. IN North Africa Algerian fir grows.
Today 47 species of fir are known: Siberian, white, Caucasian, Korean, balsamic, Sakhalin, firm, Himalayan, magnificent and others.
Reproduction
Fir is a monoecious plant. It means that male and female cones grow on the same tree at the same time. They are easy to distinguish from each other. Male cones hang down like earrings, while female cones stand upright, like candles. This distinguishes fir from other conifers.
The tree blooms for the first time at 40-60 years. During flowering, female cones appear red-violet in color. They are pollinated by the wind. 2-3 weeks after pollination, they close tightly and the seeds begin to ripen in them. In late autumn, the cones scatter, the seeds, which are very fragrant, fall out, are carried by the wind, or. Once in the ground, they sprout. Seed germination lasts for 2 years.
Unlike other trees, fir reproduces by layering. Its lower branches are so low that they often touch the ground and take root. This is how a young tree grows.
Fir grows well both in open places and in the shade, it loves warmth, but tolerates frosts, loves moisture and fertile soils. It grows well only in clean air, dies due to smoke and gas contamination.
Use in the national economy
Even in ancient times, healers appreciated the beneficial properties of fir. Its needles are a valuable source of vitamin C, pine needle infusion used to treat scurvy, vitamin deficiency, and boost immunity.
IN folk medicine They use infusions and decoctions of fir roots, bark, branches and cones.
Fir oil is used to produce medicinal camphor. His added to cosmetic products. Also, the essential oil of this tree is part of the important medicine “Urolesan”. Fir balsam extract found wide application in medicine, as an effective wound-healing and anti-inflammatory agent.
And a few more facts:
- Fir bathhouse brooms are very common in Siberia;
- fir wood is softer than spruce, but is suitable for construction and furniture making;
- decorative species are often planted on personal plots and in park areas.
Fir tree in the photo
Fir is a relative of spruce, a genus of monoecious evergreen trees, with a height of 25 to 50 m. Homeland - North America, Eastern countries - China, Japan, Korea, Far East.
When describing the fir tree special attention deserves a crown - it is pyramidal, with one trunk-axis and branches arranged in tiers. The needles are flattened, dihedral, with stomatal stripes on the underside. Thanks to the waxy coating, the needles appear whitish. There is a notch at the top of the needle, which is typical only for fir. The needles are attached to the branch with a disc-shaped, widened base in the form of a suction cup, so when they fall off, a trace remains in the form of a scar. The needles of the evergreen fir tree live for several years without falling. The fir root system is deep, but not branched.
At the age of 30 or more years, fir trees are decorated with cones. They appear in the upper third of the crown, are usually darker in color and stand on the branches like candles.
The genus fir has more than 50 species, including natural conditions Eight of them are found in Russia. You can find photos and descriptions of fir species, especially popular in the middle zone, on this page.
Tree Siberian fir on the picture
Siberian fir is common in the northeastern regions of the European part of Russia, as well as in Siberia. In the mountains it can rise up to 2 thousand m above sea level. The tree is tall, with a pyramidal crown, durable - maximum age is 200 years, but even then it dies not from old age, but from root rot.
As you can see in the photo, Siberian fir has narrow needles, 2-3 cm long:
Siberian fir needles 
Siberian fir needles
The root system is deep due to the taproot, but not branched and without visible root hairs. They are replaced by mycorrhiza fungus, with which fir forms a very productive symbiosis.
The buds are resinous, and the bark also produces resin abundantly. The resin has a beneficial effect on the plant, reducing evaporation.
The winter hardiness of Siberian fir is high, which cannot be said about its resistance to air pollution. She also does not like waterlogged soils, and swampy ones kill her.
All parts of Siberian fir contain volatile and non-volatile resins. Volatile substances include turpentine and essential oil substances, and non-volatile substances include rosin and resin. Both of them have bactericidal properties, due to which fir trees in their youth are almost not damaged by diseases.
Fir oil is extracted from needles and young branches on an industrial scale, which is used to prepare camphor. In its pure form, fir oil is widely used in medicine - for inhalation, rubbing, and as a component of medications for upper respiratory tract diseases.
As a heart remedy, this camphor is superior in vitamin C content and effectiveness to imported ones.
Fir varieties of eastern origin - from Korea, Northern China, and the Far East - are also of great interest.
Look at the photo of the Siberian fir, the description of which you could read above:
Siberian fir 
Siberian fir
Caucasian fir in the photo
This plant is quite widespread, but less stable in cultivation. The tree is powerful, beautiful, very tall and durable. It lives up to 800 years, but just like the Siberian fir, it dies not from old age, but from fungal diseases and pests.
Caucasian fir in the photo
In cultivation, this species attracts the attention of breeders; they have bred weeping forms with golden needles.
When describing the Caucasian fir, it is worth noting its main drawback: the tree often suffers from sunburn. Obviously, because the bark and branches are less protected by resinous substances than, for example, Siberian fir.
The dwarf decorative form of Nordmann fir is the slow-growing plant “Golden Sprider” with a spreading crown. In culture since 1961.
Pay attention to the photo of the Caucasian fir of this variety - its needles are yellow-colored on top and yellow-white below, the length of the needles is 10-25 mm, width - 2 mm:
Caucasian fir 
Caucasian fir
This is an excellent plant for decorating small gardens; it can be used to decorate the bare trunks of other coniferous plants; it grows well in their shade.
Balsam fir in the photo
It is a North American fir that grows wild in Canada. Can grow on Far North, in the tundra, where it forms dwarf-type thickets. It is not afraid of swampy places, near water bodies - the place for this fir is ideal.
The balsam fir coniferous tree has very aromatic dark green needles and resinous buds. The name itself speaks of the value of this pita as a balm. The bark, young branches, and buds are saturated with it. Balsam from this fir best quality by international standards. It is called “Canada balsam” and is indispensable in microscopic practice for fixing anatomical sections. Widely used in medicine as a bactericidal agent.
When describing balsam fir, one cannot fail to note its frost resistance. However, this tree is not drought-resistant, so it does not do well in the south. Dry air has a particularly negative effect, and dry winds are generally destructive for it.
As shown in the photo, balsam fir has decorative forms with white needles at the ends:
Balsam fir 
Balsam fir
There are also miniature forms, but they are used in landscaping only in central Russia.
Fir "Nana" in the photo
Balsam fir "Hudsonic" or "Nana", is a low-growing, slow-growing plant with a rounded shape, reaching only 60 cm in height. Requires acidic soil and full sun. Winter-hardy down to -40 °C. Plant better in autumn or in winter. Its needles are dark green, short, glossy and dense.
IN wildlife single-color fir is a tree up to 30 m in height. Young shoots are yellowish-green, glabrous or slightly pubescent. The bark of the trunks is gray, initially smooth, then deeply fissured. The buds are spherical, yellowish, resinous.
Decorative single-color fir in the photo
The needles are linear, 4-7 cm long, up to 2.5 mm wide, bluntly pointed or obtuse at the apex, narrowed towards the base. The description of single-color fir needles follows from its name - the needles on both sides are single-colored, gray, bluish or grayish-green, dull, on the side shoots they are arranged in a comb-like manner, somewhat curved.
Cones of decorative single-color fir
The cones are oval-cylindrical, 8-12 cm long, 3-5 cm thick, adults are light brown, slightly resinous. The covering scales are half as long as the seed scales, finely toothed along the outer edge, and pointed in the middle.
Seeds are 10-12 mm long, wedge-shaped, light brown, with a wing 15-20 mm, ripen in October.
This is an excellent decorative fir for the garden, in addition, it is one of the relatively hardy ones that are not even so dangerous from air pollution. It is undemanding to soil and climate and is propagated by seeds.
Of the dwarf forms of single-color fir, Glauka Compacta is very popular.. It is characterized by a dense asymmetrical crown shape and striking gray-blue needles. This crop is suitable for larger rock gardens; it can be planted next to them, as well as placed in the middle of the lawn and in small gardens.
Look at the photo - a single-color fir has a grayish-bluish color of needles that contrasts with the lush green or green with a golden tint of other conifers:
Fir "Glauka Compacta" 
Fir "Glauka Compacta"
It is advisable to use single-flowered fir for the conditions of the arid south and southeast. Its homeland is North America, growing along rivers, on shady slopes. The tree is beautiful, slender, with a waxy matte-gray crown. The needles are long - up to 5-6 cm, and have a lemon scent.
The plant is very light-loving. Extremely hardy. Unpretentious in cultivation, grows on any soil, even saline. The tree is drought- and frost-resistant and in landscaping middle zone It is very popular in Russia, because it is as beautiful as it is durable. Lifespan - 350 years.
As can be seen in the photo, this decorative fir has forms with silver-white, blue-white, golden or pale yellow needles, as well as dwarf and weeping:
Decorative fir 
Decorative fir
Fir trees of eastern origin are also of great interest - from Korea, Northern China, and the Far East.
Korean fir in adulthood it seems too bulky for a small garden, but, nevertheless, it is quite suitable for such use. It will take many years before this plant reaches 2-4 m in height. It grows slowly. It often happens that the crown diameter of an old Korean fir is greater than the height of the entire plant.
Korean fir 
Korean fir
Pay attention to the photo - this type of fir has very beautiful, dense, lush green needles on top and white below, and most importantly, attractive purple cones that appear even on a young tree.
Dwarf fir "Silberlock" in the photo
This species has a dwarf form "Silberlock". The plant reaches only 80 cm in height - small dark green needles are white on the underside. The cones are dark red in color, 10 cm long, and scatter seeds when ripe. Winter hardiness down to -29 °C.
Vicha fir in the photo
Fir Vicha originally from Japan. It is very unusual and decorative with its flowing branches with soft, curved needles. IN at a young age growing quickly. Winter-hardy and resistant to smoke, smog, and gases. But he loves light and fertile soil.
Equal scale fir also from Japan. The tree naturally grows in the mountains. Unlike Vicha, it has resinous buds. In Russia it grows successfully on the Black Sea coast, but in the European part it loses all its majesty, reaching a height of 20-25 m.
As shown in the photo, this variety of fir is often cultivated as bonsai in Japan, and in natural form it is a decoration of parks, temples, castles.
Fir Vetkhova- a tall species, is a slender tree, reaching 20 m in height and 4 m in crown diameter. It has thick, shiny, dark green needles with a silvery tint on the underside. Every year this tree grows approximately 70 cm in height and 20 cm in width. It is planted mainly singly in large gardens.
Tall fir, or gigantic- a species from North America, found in the mountains at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level, where it reaches a height of up to 100 m. Of course, in Europe it does not grow so high, but it grows successfully, being unpretentious.
Pretty fir is also a powerful tree. Grows wild in North America. Its distinctive feature is its long (up to 3 cm) needles with the scent of orange. The buds and young branches are resinous.
Fir trees were a decoration of gardens in Ancient Greece. There are several Mediterranean species known to be of historical interest.
Pretty fir, form “Spread Star”- a tree up to 90 cm in height, with low-growing spreading branches.
Look at the photo - this variety of fir eventually forms a carpet 3-3.5 m wide:
Grows best in acidic soil and full sun. Winter-hardy down to -23 °C. It is better to plant in autumn or winter.
Greek fir (Parnassian), according to legend, was used to build Trojan horse. Its peculiarity is the spiral arrangement of the needles. It grows in the mountains of Greece. We feel good in Sochi.
Spanish fir found in the calcareous mountains of Southern Spain at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. This is a relatively short tree, up to 25 m, very beautiful with its dense crown.
As you can see in the photo, this fir tree has short needles, but thick and hard, which is not typical for other fir trees:
They are arranged in a spiral, which is why there are no gaps in the crown. The species is thermophilic, not frost-resistant, and undemanding to soils. It is used in landscaping on the Black Sea coast and in Crimea.
Fraser fir 
Fraser fir
Fraser fir- an alien from North America, very resilient and decorative look. The tree is low and slender. The needles are short, the buds are resinous. The species is winter-hardy and drought-resistant, but does not tolerate urban conditions.
Subalpine fir promising for central Russia and the Black Earth Region. It grows wild in Alaska, where it lives high in the mountains. The tree grows very slowly, reaching 20 m in height by the age of 200 years. The buds are resinous, the needles are relatively long, up to 4 cm. The species is unpretentious in cultivation.
There is a dwarf form - “Compacta”, which is used when growing in containers.
Sakhalin fir 
Sakhalin fir
Sakhalin fir found in the south of Sakhalin and Kuril Islands on wooded mountains. It is used in landscaping in the middle latitudes of Russia. The tree is very decorative. Correct conical shape, smooth bark, soft blunt needles - these are its main parameters appearance. Produces seeds well. The cones are ellipsoid, up to 7 cm in length. The seeds are yellow or brown with a purple wing. It is moisture-loving, frost-resistant, although the needles freeze slightly during spring frosts, and is unpretentious in cultivation.
Propagation of fir trees by seeds and cuttings
The main method of propagation of fir is by seeds. The cones ripen in the year of flowering, in early autumn (September). They must be collected as soon as a subtle separation of the scales begins, otherwise they will crack and fall off.
Sow seeds better in spring after a month's stratification. When sowing, the soil should be warmed up, which increases seed germination and will allow you to avoid spring frosts.
Seedlings need mandatory shade, otherwise sunburn will destroy them. An equally important operation for caring for seedlings is mulching the soil, which will prevent weak root system from overheating and will save you from overgrowing with weeds.
Seedlings are kept in one place for 3 years. Then they are transplanted at the very beginning of autumn into ridges for growing, giving a feeding area of 15 x 20 cm. The seedlings are transplanted so that they have time to take root before winter.
After another 3-4 years, the fir can be planted in a permanent place, always with a lump of earth in early spring or early autumn.
Possibly vegetative propagation- cuttings and layering. These methods are very labor-intensive, but they allow you to completely preserve individual characteristics plants.
When propagating garden forms, the vegetative method, in particular by cuttings, is preferable.
The best cuttings for propagating fir are lateral annual shoots 7-10 cm long with small apical buds from branches of the 2nd-3rd order. They are cut off from the “heel” or broken out. Cuttings are harvested in early spring during the period of spring sap flow. Planted in sand to a depth of 1.5 cm, sprayed regularly, covered with polyethylene and placed in a shaded place. In the first 2-3 weeks, this regime is maintained. Periodic ventilation is necessary, but without drafts. Roots form in 2-3 months.
In nature, fir easily reproduces both by seeds and vegetatively (by layering). The seeds quickly germinate even when self-seeding, and the lower branches, in contact with the ground, take root, producing numerous layerings. They grow in the form of elfin wood when the connection with the mother plant is lost.
Decorative forms of fir are propagated by cuttings taken only from young plants.
Growing conditions and care for fir trees
All firs grow well in open areas as single trees or in groups. They are demanding on soil and air humidity. Frost-resistant, cannot tolerate burning and smog in urban conditions. Firs are more demanding than other conifers in terms of growing conditions. They are light-loving and only tolerate shade when young. Soils prefer clay-sandy, moderately moist, rich nutrients and cannot tolerate high groundwater levels.
One of the important conditions for growing fir is a place protected from the winds and fresh air, since these trees do not tolerate gas pollution and smoke at all and are better suited for suburban summer cottages.
Firs are light-loving plants. In dense and shaded plantings they are not very decorative. The typical shape of a fir crown will be formed only in open areas.
It is not necessary to form a fir crown during the growth process, but it is necessary to ensure that the seedlings do not have two tops. If there are two tops, which is possible if the top is broken or damaged by pests, the weaker one must be removed, and the sooner the better.
