SafePlants

Grand Fir (Abies grandis)

The Grand Fir, scientifically known as Abies grandis, is a majestic evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Often admired for its size and fragrance, it is utilized as both an ornamental tree and in the timber and Christmas tree industries.

Considerations for Pets

• The Grand Fir is known for its fragrant needles.
• The tree is commonly used as a Christmas tree.

Considerations for Children

• The Grand Fir is known for its fragrant needles.
• The tree is commonly used as a Christmas tree.

Common Names

• Grand Fir
• Giant Fir
• Lowland White Fir
• Great Silver Fir
• Western White Fir
• Vancouver Fir
• Oregon Fir
• Lowland Fir
• Balsam Fir
• Yellow Fir
• Puget Sound Fir
• Tall Silver Fir
• Stinking Fir

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.
• Family: Pinaceae
• Synonym: A. excelsior
• Etymology: Abies is the Latin name for silver fir. Grandis means "grand," referring to its status as one of the tallest fir species.
• Taxonomic Serial Number: Mentioned as part of the French name: Sapin grandissime.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Pacific Northwest, from southern British Columbia to Sonoma County, California, and east to the Cascade Mountains.
• Also found in the Northern Rockies and parts of the Middle Rockies.
• Prefers lowland coastal areas but also occurs in the Cascade Range and the northern Rocky Mountains.

Ecological Role

• Often found growing alongside Douglas-fir in the Cascade Range.

Morphological Characteristics

• One of the tallest firs, reaching heights of up to 300 feet (approximately 100 meters).
• Rapid-growing tree.
• Needles are flattened, about 3/4 to 2 inches long, and spread out on opposite sides of the twig in flattened rows. In direct sunlight, the needles may crowd.
• Has smooth brown bark.
• A tiny ridge runs along the length of the upper side of the needles (compared to the groove on noble fir needles).
• Aromatic needles. Some say the needles have an orange-like scent.

Quirky Facts

• The Oregon Grand Fir is said to have an orange-like scent.
• The Grand Fir is sometimes referred to as "stinking fir."

Human Uses

• Used as construction lumber, often grouped with other fir and hemlock species.
• Popular Christmas tree, known for its fragrance.
• The soft wood is valued.
• Historically, the needles have been brewed or steeped and drank as a disinfectant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Subject to wound-inducible monoterpene cyclases.

Further Information

• Referenced in "Silvics of North America, Vol. 1, Conifers" by Burns, R.M. and B.H. Honkala (1990).