Description

Abies- Fir

This mid to large evergreen shrubs and trees, makes them ideal for shurburn areas.  They prefer cool-cold climates such as Europe, North Africa, Asia and North America mountainous areas where they escape urban pollution and extreme temperatures although some varies expand into the tropics.  These fir’s has long narrow, needles that are distributed equally horizontal and laterally along the twig. Color differs mid to dark green often with grayish white bands underneath. Female cones grow erect on upper branches, which ripen over a year then release seeds. They prefer sun moist soil or soil with good moisture retention but with good drainage, neutral to alkaline soil.  The only pruning needed to be done is to remove dead twigs to insure good circulation. Prone to adelgids, bark beetles, bagworms and spruce budworms.  A wide variety of fungi cause needle blights and root rots.  Rust diseases are common.  

A. amabilis – Beautiful Fir – Pacic Fir – Cascade fir –Grown from Alaska to Northern California, this conical shape tree seldom taller then 100 feet and 12-20 feet wide.  The glossy green 1-inch squared tip needles that covered in pale hairs have grayish white stripes on underside pointing towards the tip of the shoot.  The cones are egg shaped with hidden bracts that grow up to 3 ½-6 inches long.  The cones vary from red to deep purple ripening to brown. Best grown in moist climate in acidic soil.

Zones 5-9