White Fir, Balsam Fir, Colorado Fir, Concolor Fir, Silver Fir, White Balsam, Oyamel De California
Abies concolor, commonly known as the white fir, is a native North American conifer belonging to the pine family (Pinaceae). It is renowned for its attractive, bluish-green needle-like foliage and its tall, straight stature. Esteemed for its adaptability, it serves as an excellent specimen tree in landscapes and is also widely used as a Christmas tree.
Native: The White Fir is native to the mountainous regions of western North America, from the Rockies in Colorado to the coastal ranges of California and Oregon, and southwards into northern Mexico. It thrives in elevations from 2300 to 11000 feet and is typically found in mixed conifer forests.
Description: White Fir is a magnificent evergreen conifer with a pyramidal shape, especially when young. As the tree matures, it maintains its pyramidal form but may become more cylindrical. The branches are arranged in a horizontal, whorled pattern around the trunk, contributing to its symmetrical, full appearance. Its distinguishing characteristic is its soft, silvery-blue or blue-green needles, which are flat, long (up to 3 inches or 7 cm), and pleasantly aromatic. The bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming more furrowed and roughened as the tree matures.
Size: It typically reaches 80 to 120 feet (24 to 36 meters) in height with a spread of 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) at maturity in its native range. This is a fairly slow-growing tree. In gardens, the tree will reach 40-70 feet (12-21 meters) tall and 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters) wide when mature.
Cones: The cones of the White Fir are unique among fir trees. They are upright, cylindrical, 3 to 6 inches long (7-15 cm), and range in color from green to purplish-brown. Unlike other fir trees, the cones disintegrate on the tree instead of falling to the ground whole.
Hardiness: Abies concolor is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Soil and Sunlight: This fir is tolerant of heat and drought once established, making it more adaptable to different environments compared to many other fir trees. It prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic, moist, gravelly, or sandy-loam soils and full sun to partial shade.
Uses: The wood of the White Fir is soft and lightweight, making it popular for construction, millwork, and pulpwood. The tree is also widely used as a Christmas tree due to its pleasing shape, color, and needle retention. Its aromatic foliage and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for ornamental planting and windbreaks.
Benefits: The tree is excellent for erosion control on slopes and hillsides. It also helps improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.
Wildlife: The seeds are eaten by squirrels, rodents, and some bird species. The dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small mammals.
Deer and Rabbits: White Fir is moderately resistant to damage from deer. It’s not a preferred food source, so deer usually only eat it when other food sources are scarce. Rabbits may chew on the bark of young trees in winter.
Toxicity: The tree is non-toxic to humans and pets. However, ingesting needles or bark may cause mild stomach upset.
Pruning: No pruning is required.
Propagation: Propagating Abies concolor can be done through seeds or softwood cuttings. Seed is the easiest method of propagation.
Pests and Diseases: Pests and diseases can vary significantly by geographic region and local environmental conditions. The list below does not include every potential disease or pest issue. When treating disease or pest problems, it’s best to consult with a local extension service or professional arborist for specific recommendations.
Pest:
Diseases:
Fun Facts: One fascinating fact about the White Fir is that it can live for over 300 years. Also, it’s one of the few firs that tolerate the heat and dry conditions of lower mountain slopes. This adaptability, along with its attractive features, make Abies concolor a valuable tree both for landscaping and commercial use.
Hardiness |
4 - 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Pinaceae |
Genus | Abies |
Common names | Concolor Fir, White Fir, Silver Fir, Fir |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 40' - 70' (12.2m - 21.3m) |
Spread | 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fragrant |
Native Plants | United States, Maine, Massachusetts, Rocky Mountains, Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, California, Idaho, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Hardiness |
4 - 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Pinaceae |
Genus | Abies |
Common names | Concolor Fir, White Fir, Silver Fir, Fir |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 40' - 70' (12.2m - 21.3m) |
Spread | 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fragrant |
Native Plants | United States, Maine, Massachusetts, Rocky Mountains, Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, California, Idaho, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
How many Abies concolor (White Fir) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Abies concolor (White Fir) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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