Abies sibirica
| Abies sibirica | |
| Light: |    |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 1 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 98' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
Abies sibirica (common name: siberian fir)
Propagation: Seed - sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March[1]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[1]. Stratification is said to produce a more even germination so it is probably best to sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[2][3]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[3]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Alternatively, if you have sufficient seed, it is possible to sow in an outdoor seedbed. One report says that it is best to grow the seedlings on in the shade at a density of about 550 plants per square metre[1] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[2].
Cultivation: Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[4]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[5]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[4]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[6]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[6].
Cultivated for timber in N. Europe[7] but although very hardy, this species does not thrive in Britain, preferring much harsher climates[8][6]. It tolerates temperatures down to about -50°c but in the mild winters of Britain it is often excited into premature growth and is then very susceptible to damage by late frosts[9].
Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm in height. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[6].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[6]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[6].
Most if not all trees grown under this name in Britain are in fact A. sachalinensis[10].
Range: N. Europe - Russia to E. Asia - China.
Habitat: Forms extensive forests on cool wet mountainsides in N.E. Russia[7].
Medicinal: The essential oil obtained from the leaves is antirheumatic, expectorant and stimulant[11].
Usage: An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used medicinally[11].
Wood - light, soft, not very durable. Used for construction, furniture and pulp[12].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Early Fall
Flower Type: Monoecious
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 McMillan-Browse, Philip. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books, 1985.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Rushforth, Keith. Conifers. Batsford, 1991.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Sargent, Charles. Manual of the Trees of North America. Dover, 1965.
- ↑ Mitchell, Alan. Conifers in the British Isles. Stationery Office Books, 1975.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.