Pacific silver fir
Scientific Name: Abies amabilis
Family: Pinaceae
Category: Gymnosperm
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Pacific Silver Fir (Abies amabilis)
The Pacific silver fir, scientifically known as Abies amabilis, is a majestic evergreen tree native to the Pacific Northwest.
Considerations for Pets
- The needles, if ingested, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.
Common Names
- Pacific Silver Fir
- Silver Fir
- Cascades Fir
- Lovely Fir
- White Fir
- Red Fir
- Amabilis Fir
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Abies amabilis (Douglas ex Louden) Douglas ex Forbes
- Family: Pinaceae (Pine family)
- Synonyms: The text mentions usage to "Define Pacific silver fir: amabilis fir" indicating amabilis fir is often used as a synonym.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America.
- Found in the Pacific Coast Ranges.
- Ranges from southeastern Alaska and coastal British Columbia along the western slopes of the Cascade Range in Washington.
- Extends from sea level up to 5100 ft (1600 m).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Evergreen tree reaching heights of up to 230 feet (approximately 30 m or 98 ft).
- Grows at a slow rate.
- Has a gray trunk that becomes silvery-white with age.
- Possesses a rigid, symmetrical crown.
- Features lateral branches perpendicular to the trunk.
- Needles are flattened, dark green with a groove on the upper surface, and have two silvery lines underneath. They point forward and upward.
- Bark is grayish-green when young, becoming silvery-white with age.
Ecological Role
- Extremely shade-tolerant, often found in various size classes within old-growth forests.
Quirky Facts
- The binomial name "amabilis" means lovely.
- The leaves smell of orange when crushed.
Usage
- Used in urban landscaping.
- Commercially grown for Christmas trees.
- Used as construction lumber, often grouped with other fir and hemlock species.
- Used to make Essential oils.
Further Information
- Encyclopedia of Life
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station
- Taymouth Castle estate in Aberfeldy (county of Perth)