Subalpine Fir, Alpine Fir, Mountain Balsam Fir, Pino Real Blanco de las Sierras, Rocky Mountain Fir, Western Balsam Fir, White Balsam Fir
Abies lasiocarpa, also known as the Subalpine Fir or Rocky Mountain Fir, is a North American fir species belonging to the pine family (Pinaceae).
Native: Subalpine Fir is native to the high elevation, cool, and moist climates of western North America, stretching from Alaska through the western United States to northern Mexico. It thrives in mountainous areas, hence its common name, and is often found at the tree line.
Description: Subalpine Fir is a slender, spire-like coniferous tree. It boasts a narrow, spire-like crown with short, dense branches covered in smooth bark that’s gray to whitish-gray. The tree’s needles are blue-green, curved upward to expose two blue-white bands below, creating a silvery appearance.
Size: It typically reaches heights of 20-90 feet (6-27 meters) with a spread of 10-20 feet (3-6 meters). In the mountains, it can grow to a height of up to 90 feet (27 meters), with only 10 feet (3 meters) of width. In gardens, Subalpine Fir is usually shorter and loses its narrow shape. Slow-growing, it may never exceed 20 feet in height but spread to 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) in width.
Cones: The tree produces cylindrical, upright cones 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. These cones are initially green or purple, turning brown as they mature. They disintegrate on the tree to release their winged seeds, which are dispersed by the wind.
Hardiness: Abies lasiocarpa is hardy and adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 5-6.
Soil and Sunlight: This fir thrives in well-drained, acidic soils and prefers cooler climates with high rainfall. It’s a shade-tolerant species and can persist under the forest canopy until a gap opens up, at which point it grows quickly towards the light. Due to its tolerance for cold, harsh conditions, it’s often found growing in rocky and poor soils where other species cannot thrive.
Uses: Subalpine Fir is used for Christmas trees and as an ornamental tree in large parks and gardens due to its unique growth habit and attractive foliage. Its wood, though not commercially valuable due to the tree’s typically small size and slow growth rate, is sometimes used for pulp. It can be used as a bonsai.
Benefits: Subalpine Fir trees play a crucial role in watershed protection in their native mountain habitats. Their root systems help stabilize steep slopes, reducing soil erosion. These trees also help mitigate climate change by acting as carbon sinks.
Wildlife: Subalpine Fir provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife. Its seeds are favored by squirrels, birds, and other small mammals. The tree’s dense foliage provides shelter for various bird species.
Deer and Rabbits: Deer and rabbits do browse on Subalpine Fir, particularly during the winter months when other food sources are scarce. However, the tree’s high-elevation habitat limits its exposure to these animals.
Toxicity: There’s no known toxicity of the Subalpine Fir to humans or pets. However, the sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Pruning: No pruning is required
Propagation: The most common propagation method for Subalpine Fir is from seeds. Collect cones in the fall once they’ve dried out and before they open. Place the cones in a paper bag and allow them to dry until they open and release their seeds. Seeds can then be sown in well-draining soil and placed in a cold frame or greenhouse for protection. Seeds often benefit from a period of cold stratification before planting, which involves storing them in moist sand or peat moss in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few weeks to a few months. This helps to break seed dormancy and stimulate germination. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
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.
Pests:
Diseases:
Fun Facts:
Hardiness |
5 - 6 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 6 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Pinaceae |
Genus | Abies |
Common names | Subalpine Fir, Fir |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 20' - 90' (6.1m - 27.4m) |
Spread | 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, California, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado |
Attracts | Birds |
Hardiness |
5 - 6 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 6 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Pinaceae |
Genus | Abies |
Common names | Subalpine Fir, Fir |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 20' - 90' (6.1m - 27.4m) |
Spread | 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, California, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado |
Attracts | Birds |
How many Abies lasiocarpa (Subalpine Fir) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Abies lasiocarpa (Subalpine Fir) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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