Subalpine Fir

Scientific name

Abies lasiocarpa

Description

Subalpine Fir is a slow growing, coniferous tree species that typically grows up to 35 m, but can occasionally grow to 50 m under favorable conditions. The bark is gray, shallowly fissured, and scaly. The needles are flat, blunt tipped, blueish green colored, and have one white band on top with two on the undersides. The seed cones are a deep purple color and appear upright on the top of the crown. It has a distinctively narrow crown. The food and habitat provided by this tree are beneficial to many wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. This is the most widely distributed Fir in North America. Transplants well.

Planting conditions

Subalpine Fir grows best in moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, cool, loam or rocky soils and deep snowpack. It is tolerant of shade. This tree usually only lives about 100 years old because they are vulnerable to wood rotting fungus and root rot. This tree is naturally found in high altitude forests and mountainous areas of the Pacific Northwest.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Loamy
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 35 m
• Spread:
  • 5 m