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Latin Name:	Abies homolepis
Common Name:	Nikko fir
Family:	Pinaceae
Synonyms:
Known Hazards:	None known
	Author:  Sieb.&Zucc.
Habit:      A Medium Growing Evergreen Tree
Habitat:  Cool wet mountainsides in C. and S. Japan[58, 200].
Height:  36.0     Width:  6.0
Cultivation Details: Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[81]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[1]. This species is the most tolerant of the genus to atmospheric pollution[185, 200]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[200]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[200]. This species thrives in Britain, succeeding in the drier east of the country though growing better in the moister west and at its best in the Perthshire valleys of Scotland[11]. Growth is fairly good, averaging around 30 cm per year for at least the first 100 years[185]. Increase in girth is also reasonable, 1.2 metres in 36 years has been recorded[185]. 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[200]. Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200].
Propagation Notes: Seed - Sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March[78]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[78]. 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[78] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[80]. 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[80, 113]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[113].
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