Coniferous Shrubs

Abies nordmaniana 'Golden Spreader'

Golden Spreader Nordmann Fir

Pinaceae

Caucasus Mountains (Georgia, Russia, northeastern Turkey)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height2–4 feet (60–120 cm)
Width3–6 feet (90–180 cm)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 7
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Abies nordmaniana 'Golden Spreader' is a dwarf, low-spreading evergreen conifer reaching 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) tall with a spread of 3–6 feet (90–180 cm) over 10–15 years, growing wider than tall. The typical A. nordmaniana reaches 60–100 feet (18–30 m); this cultivar does not develop a strong central leader and remains low-spreading throughout its life. Needles are 0.75–1.25 inches (2–3 cm) long, flat, golden-yellow on new growth in spring, transitioning to yellow-green in summer, with two white stomatal bands below. The flat-topped to tiered horizontal branching creates a layered appearance. Cones rarely form on young cultivated specimens. Foliage color is most intense in full sun; deep shade reduces it to green. In regions with summers regularly above 85°F (29°C), new growth may scorch at the tips.

Native Range

Abies nordmaniana is native to the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, Russia (western Caucasus), and northeastern Turkey, growing in mixed forests at elevations of 3,300–6,600 feet (1,000–2,000 m). The 'Golden Spreader' cultivar was developed through horticultural selection and does not occur in wild populations.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, groundcover conifer, or rock garden accent at 5–6 foot (1.5–1.8 m) spacing. The low form fits sites with overhead restrictions where upright conifers are unsuitable, including under utility lines and in front-of-border positions. Suitable for large containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L) with excellent drainage. Not suited to hot-summer regions, heavy clay soils, or sites with poor air quality.

How to Identify

Abies nordmaniana 'Golden Spreader' is identified by its low, spreading, flat-topped form that grows wider than tall, distinguishing it from most other dwarf fir cultivars which are upright. Needles are flat, 0.75–1.25 inches (2–3 cm), golden-yellow on new growth in spring, with two prominent white stomatal bands below; needle tips are notched, not sharp. The combination of horizontal layered habit and yellow foliage separates it from the upright yellow-foliaged A. koreana 'Aurea'.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
golden

Foliage Colors

golden yellow
yellow green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
J
F
M
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J
J
A
S
O
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Spring
Male strobili are rarely produced on young cultivated specimens of this dwarf cultivar. On established plants that do develop strobili, pollen is released in April–May. Cones are seldom set in garden cultivation; when formed, they are upright and cylindrical, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long, disintegrating on the tree at maturity as with all Abies.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

reddish (male strobili, rarely produced)

Foliage Description

golden-yellow in spring, yellow-green in summer; white stomatal bands below

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate dry intervals of 7–10 days but show needle browning under extended drought. Foliage color is most intense with 6 or more hours of direct sun; shade produces lime-green to green needles. New growth may scorch in regions with sustained summer temperatures above 85°F (29°C). No routine fertilization is required in amended soil; excess nitrogen promotes green growth at the expense of yellow color. Air pollution tolerance is moderate.

Pruning

No routine pruning is required. The natural low, spreading form is self-determining. Do not cut to train a central leader — the cultivar is selected for a non-upright habit and will not respond predictably to leader manipulation. Remove dead or damaged branches in late spring after new growth has hardened. Avoid pruning in late summer or fall.

Pruning Schedule

J
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J
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late spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic