Description
Latin Name: Abies sibirica
DESCRIPTION
Family: Pinaceae
Native Range: Native to Siberia and Northeast China.
Seed Source: Siberian fir collection near Carrot River, Saskatchewan.
Height and Spread: 25m x 8m.
Overview: Siberian fir is native to Siberia. This seed strain originates from a collection mission to Lake Baikal, Siberia in 1985 with the deed collected near the Siberian city of Irkutsk. The collected germplasm was planted in a seed block near Carrot River, Saskatchewan. The 'Irkutsk' seed strain is well adapted to northern temperate regions. The 'Irkutsk' Siberian fir seed strain grows well in cool moist soils. It is very shade-tolerant, frost-resistant, and hardy, surviving temperatures down to −50°C. This seed strain has a nice pyramidal form and becomes more narrow as it grows to an ultimate height of over 25 meters.
Seeds: The yellow-brown seeds are 5-7 mm long.
Average number of seeds/packet: 300
SEED TREATMENT / SOWING
Stratification: Soak seeds in cold water for 24 hours mix with sand and stratify for 30 days at 5C.
Ideal sowing time: Sow stratified seed outdoors in May or non-stratified seed in September.
Sowing instructions: Outdoors - sow 0.5 cm deep, 50 seeds/meter; Greenhouse - sow 3 seeds per cell.
Growing conditions: Spring sowing of stratified seed is preferred over fall sowing of non-treated seeds. Alternatively, sow seed indoors then move outdoors in a shaded area during the summer.
AGROFORESTRY VALUE
Siberian fir is known for its strong aroma. This tree's needles are popular for essential oils and aromatherapy. Siberian fir is also valued for its attractive dark green foliage and dense, pyramidal shape.
