Abies nordmanniana   Will Blozan
  Jun 14, 2005 18:23 PDT 
Hey ENTS and fellow tree folks,

I have a keen interest in Nordmann fir, as it is one of my favorite
introduced conifers. Today in Highlands, NC on the property of "Highland
Hiker" I measured two of the tallest I have ever seen. How tall can this
species get in North America and in Europe? I was blown away by these
towering trees, which were in perfect shape and health. Until today, the NC
State Champion at High Hampton Inn in Cashiers was the tallest I had seen-
right at 100' tall as of April 2005 (my laser measurement).

Trees today.

8'10"     X          116.6'

8'2"       X          125.9'

Bob Van Pelt, I bet you have a taller one out west- how does the 125'+ tree
compare?

Will Blozan
Re: Abies nordmanniana   ecri-@juno.com
  Jun 14, 2005 19:55 PDT 

Nice finds that bear further testament to the exceptional growing
environment around Highlands. For those not familiar with the town, main
street lies at approximately 3800' on a large plateau that receives some
of the most abundant annual precipitation in the east. The high
elevation makes the town a refuge from the swelter heat of the deep
south, so the community has been a vacation destination and resort since
its founding. Consequently, the surrounding area consists of an odd mix
with many golf courses and fragments of ancient forest. Conifers
dominate many of those stands, and take advantage of the sandy soils of
the plateau. Will has also located a 161' hemlock in the area. A Rucker
Index for the plateau would likely include an unusual mix of species, and
may be exceptional for a site at such a high elevation.

Jess
Re: Abies nordmanniana   abi-@u.washington.edu
  Jun 15, 2005 05:33 PDT 

Will,
I must agree - A. nordmanniana is a consistently beautiful tree, everywhere I see it.

In the western US, we have five species of Abies that exceed 70 m in height. Throughout the remaining world, there are two others - Abies pindrow from the Himalayas, and Abies nordmanniana from the Caucasus Mtns.

The UK has a specimen, centuries old, that has made it to 48 m.

Your tree appears to be a new North American record for height. On the west coast we are just over 30 m on our tallest. We may have the best conditions for growing conifers, but we are still too young. It is rare to find ornamentals over 100 years old.

Cheers,
- BVP
RE: Abies nordmanniana   Will Blozan
  Jun 15, 2005 17:46 PDT 
Dude,

I knew if "Abies" was in the message line you would respond in a flash!
"Picea" must not be as interesting as I still have not heard your comments
on the "P. engelmannii" here in Black Mountain!

At 39 meters, the Highlands tree, which is still actively growing, may
continue upwards another few meters. As it stands, it is the third tallest
introduced tree in the east, superseded by Norway spruce (135'), and that
larch at Biltmore Estate (131'). White elm is close at 125', but that tree
has not been measured in two years.

Thanks for the Worldwide update, and bring back some great news from the UK!
You could bring back some good beer as well!

Will