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white fir
Scientific Name: Abies concolor
Family: Pinaceae
Category: Gymnosperm
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: NV (Rocky Mountain white fir)
White Fir (Abies concolor)
Abies concolor, commonly known as white fir or Colorado white-fir, is a popular evergreen tree appreciated for its ornamental qualities and various practical applications.
Considerations for Pets
- White fir needles are 2 to 3 inches long and slightly flattened. Consider potential ingestion hazards.
- The tree's essential oil contains d-limonene.
Considerations for Children
- White fir needles are 2 to 3 inches long and slightly flattened. Consider potential ingestion hazards.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr.
- Family: Pinaceae (Pine family)
- Synonyms and Common Names:
- Colorado white fir
- Concolor fir
- Colorado fir
- Rocky Mountain white fir
- California white fir (var. lowiana)
- White balsam
- Oyamel de California
- Picea concolor
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the mountains of western North America.
- Found in the western United States, including Oregon, Idaho, the Rocky Mountains, and Californian mountains, extending to Arizona and Baja California, Mexico.
- Grows at elevations with long winters, moderate to heavy snowpacks, and short growing seasons.
- Can tolerate less than ideal growing environments, including semi-arid, hot, low elevation areas.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A large pyramidal tree with a formal appearance.
- Young trees are strongly conical. Older trees develop differently.
- Typically reaches a mature height of 75 feet or more, but often smaller in landscapes (40 to 50 feet). Can grow to 60-100 feet tall and live up to 300 years.
- Can reach sizes of 130-150 ft in height and 3 to 4 ft in diameter.
- Needles are 2 to 3 inches long, slightly flattened, and can be silver-blue to silver-green.
- Needles about 1" long yellow-green on top surface of needles (no white bloom on upper surface)--whitish bands on undersides.
- Sets of needles flattened or "V" shaped.
Uses
- Ornamental tree, valued by landscapers for its concentric pyramidal shape and striking blue-cast foliage.
- Popular Christmas tree due to its delightful aroma, good needle retention, and strong, sturdy branches.
- Construction lumber, often grouped with other species of fir and hemlock.
- Essential oil derived from the soft needles, used to support healthy joints, muscles, and respiratory function and to promote relaxation.
- Building material in traditional Native American practices.
- Windbreak.
Further Information
- Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org) offers information on size, height, growth rate, sun and soil preference.
- Plant Guide prepared and contributed by Sarah Wennerberg.
- Monrovia provides details and information on their Blue Cloak White Fir.