Common Name: Nikko Fir

General Information

Abies homolepis is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown; it can grow up to 40 metres tall with a straight, cylindrical bole that can be 150cm or more in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for mainly local use of its wood. It is widely grown as an ornamental in Europe and Asia, where several dwarf forms are available[].
Because the value of timber is low, this species has not been used as a timber tree to any significant extent. As a result, there are many relatively large subpopulations remaining in central Honshu. However, Japanese Deer are a serious problem, reducing regeneration and sometimes killing larger trees through ring-barking. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern Japan

Habitat

Cool wet mountainsides[, ]. In mountain forests at elevations of 1,000 - 1,800 metres, generally growing in the intermediate zone between Abies firma and Abies veitchii[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	36.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies homolepis is a plant of the cool, humid temperate zone, where it is found at elevations up to 2,000 metres[].
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[]. This species is the most tolerant of the genus to atmospheric pollution[, ]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[].
Growth is fairly good, averaging around 30cm per year for at least the first 100 years[]. Increase in girth is also reasonable, 1.2 metres in 36 years has been recorded[].
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[].
The flowers are produced in axils of the previous year's shoots[].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an astringent and humectant[].

Wood - light, soft, coarse grained. Used for construction, pulp etc[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse or outdoors in early spring[]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[]. 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[, ]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[]. 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[] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[].