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white fir
Scientific Name: Abies concolor var. lowiana
Family: Pinaceae
Category: Gymnosperm
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
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 uses.
Considerations for Pets
- White Fir needles are 2-3 inches long and slightly flattened.
- The tree's sap contains d-limonene, which is present in the essential oil extracted from White Fir.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr.
- Family: Pinaceae (Pine Family)
- Synonyms:
- Picea concolor
- Other Common Names: concolor fir, Colorado fir, Rocky Mountain white fir, California white fir (var. lowiana), white balsam, oyamel de California.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the mountains of western North America.
- Specifically found in the western United States, including Oregon, Idaho, through the Rocky Mountains, and Californian mountains to Arizona. Also found in Baja California, Mexico.
- Typically grows at high elevations with long winters, moderate to heavy snowpacks, and short growing seasons.
- Can be found in both semi-arid, hot, low-elevation environments.
- Native to the Rocky Mountains of the western United States from Canada to California.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- May reach sizes of 130-150 ft in height and 3 to 4 ft in diameter.
- Reaches a mature height of 75 feet or more but is often smaller in the landscape, around 40 to 50 feet.
- Can live up to 300 years.
- Young trees are strongly conical in shape. Older trees develop a different form.
- Needles are about 1 inch long, yellow-green on the top surface (no white bloom), and have whitish bands on the undersides.
- Needles are flattened or "V"-shaped.
- Leaves (needles) are borne singly, 2-3 inches long, flattened in cross-section, evergreen, silver-blue to silver-green.
- Has strong sturdy branches.
Ecological Role
- In some regions, California white fir (Abies concolor) can be considered a "weed."
Traditional Uses and Applications
- Native Americans used white fir as a building material.
- Native Americans used it in traditional health practices.
- Used as construction lumber.
- White fir essential oil is believed to support healthy joints, muscles, and respiratory issues.
Quirky Facts
- White fir makes an excellent Christmas tree because it has a delightful aroma and retains its needles well after cutting.
- White fir essential oil is said to help you "relax and focus."
Further Information
- Arborday.org offers information on size, height, growth rate, sun and soil preference.
- Plant Guide contributed by Sarah Wennerberg.
- Monrovia offers details and information on its Blue Cloak White Fir variety.