Abies

Scattered patches of Fraser fir grow at elevations 1600-2000m in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. At higher elevations it grows as pure forests, lower down as mixed forest, usually with red spruce (Picea rubens). The climate of the area is typically rather wet with frequent fog. The tree species of the upper slopes of the Appalachians are probably relicts surviving from a colder age, like the scattered Korean fir (Abies koreana) groves in the mountains of South Korea.

Fraser fir so closely resembles balsam fir (A. balsamea) that it is considered by some to be its subspecies. The needles spread - comb-like sideways - in the same way, though those of the Fraser fir are shorter. However, the cones differ: those of the Fraser fir have long reflexed bracts projecting beyond the cone scales. Fraser fir is smaller and slower-growing than balsam fir. Fraser fir is popular as a Christmas tree in the eastern USA due to its beautiful regular habit.

In the wild Fraser fir grows on unusually acid soil (pH 3,5-4,2). It is difficult to say whether this sets special demands for growing it in Finland, since there is little experience with the species so far. The results of earlier trials at Mustila have been disappointing but seeds of Roan Mountain origin, sown in 2000, have so far grown well.

Symmetrical, upwards turned branches give this Japanese fir a very Japanese look. Due to its graceful growth habit and thick needles with gleaming white undersurface the Veitch fir is considered by many to be among the most decorative of the Mustila firs. On Pohjoisrinne (Northern slope) there are two stands of Veitch fir, the older dating from the 1930s, the younger from 1995.

The species regenerates itself well at Mustila. Protected from frost on suitable ground in either forest or garden, even in deep shade it grows quickly and needs little attention.

To most Finns the most familiar of the Abies or fir species is the Siberian fir. It was also the first exotic conifer to be planted at Mustila. Siberian fir has been largely used in parks and gardens, particularly in the 1800s, so much so that its pendulous branches and spire-like multiple crowns can be regarded as characteristic of the Finnish historical countryside landscapes.

The nearest natural stand of Siberian fir can be found about 400 kms on the Russian side of the border at the mouth of the Northern Dvina river. The species grows best in northern latitudes; it doesn’t grow well in the British Isles, for example.

When young, Siberian fir has a very regular narrow shape but as it matures it produces multiple crowns. It is hardy almost everywhere in Finland, and regenerates from seed in forest conditions. The best specimens at Mustila are near the Arboretum buildings.