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subalpine fir

Scientific Name: Abies lasiocarpa

Family: Pinaceae

Category: Gymnosperm

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa)

The Subalpine Fir, scientifically known as Abies lasiocarpa, is a medium-sized evergreen conifer native to western North America. It's also commonly referred to as the Rocky Mountain Fir or Alpine Fir.

Considerations for Pets

  • This tree can commonly be found in gardens and homes, especially as a transplant in rock gardens within the Pacific Northwest.
  • Needles are typically around 1 inch long.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.
  • Common Names: Subalpine Fir, Rocky Mountain Fir, Alpine Fir, Balsam Fir, White Balsam Fir
  • Family: Pinaceae (Pine family)
  • Synonyms: A. subalpina, Pinus lasiocarpa
  • Plant Symbol: ABLA
  • Varieties: var. arizonica (Corkbark Fir), var. bifolia

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Subalpine Fir naturally occurs just below the timberline in mountain forests of western and southwestern North America.
  • It is found mainly in the interior and Rocky Mountains, as well as the Cascade Mountains and coastal range of British Columbia.
  • In Colorado, it grows at elevations from 8000 feet (2400 m) to the timberline.
  • It can be found in the Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir Zone, which occupies the highest forested elevations in British Columbia.

Ecological Role

  • Subalpine Fir is a forest pioneer on severe and disturbed sites.
  • It assists in rehabilitating the landscape and protecting watersheds by providing cover.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The Subalpine Fir is a medium-sized tree, typically growing to 20-35 meters tall, but occasionally reaching 50 meters.
  • It has a distinctive long, narrow, conical crown of short, stiff branches.
  • The crown is slender and spire-like, with the upper several feet having a small diameter.
  • Needles are flattened, usually about 1 inch long.
  • The trunk is cylindrical and can reach up to 75 cm in diameter.
  • Normal longevity is around 200 years.

Quirky Facts

  • Subalpine fir cone crops can be negatively related to cone production in mountain hemlock.
  • Despite being recognized in high-mountain settings, it is actually a generalist tree.
  • It is sometimes referred to as Coastal Subalpine Fir (Lasiocarpa) and Bifolia.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • ARKive
  • USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center & Biota of North America
  • Taxonomic information: Farjon, A. 2010. A Handbook of the World's Conifers. Koninklijke Brill, Leiden.