Abies
( AE - beez )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly referred to as Fir, the Abies genus represents many species of evergreen trees that need full sun or light shade and moderate to regular water. Their seeds will attract birds to your garden. These trees are tall, symmetrical and branches are uniformly spaced. Large cones grow up from branches. Most are native to North America and like to grow in high mountainous areas. In hot, dry, windy areas they tend to grow very slowly; it is best to pick a different genus of evergreen tree for these locations.
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Abies Species and Varietals
The Abies genus belongs to the Pinaceae family of plants, and includes between 48 and 56 distinct species. The genus name is derived from the Latin word for 'to rise', and they are most closely related to Cedars. The best growing zones for Fir trees vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Abies amabilis (Pacific Silver Fir, Cascade Fir) These trees are native to Southern Alaska down through the Coast Mountain Ranges of Washington and Oregon. Best when grown in zones 2b-7 and 15-17. Can get 20-50 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide in suburban gardens, but can reach much taller heights in the wild. Needles are dark green on top, silver underneath, and curve upward along the branches. A smaller varietal is 'Spreading Star', which is a dwarf form that reaches 3 feet high and 6 feet wide, with a spreading habit. |
Abies bracteata (Abies venusta) (Santa Lucia Fir, Bristlecone Fir) This species of Fir grows best in zones 6-9 and 14-21. Native to California's Santa Lucia Mountains. Gets to 70 feet tall in about 50 years. Lower branches are spreading, crown is slender. Needles are sharp and dark green on top and have white lines underneath. Cones are four inches tall and have pointed scales. This species tolerates heat and arid conditions relatively well. |
Abies concolor (White Fir) Best when grown in zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-24. Native to mountains in southern Oregon and California and the Rocky Mountains in Baja California. This is a popular Christmas tree fir, and is commonly grown in gardens. Reaches 80-120 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide in native habitat. In gardens, however, it will just reach 30 feet tall in about 30 years. Needles are blue-green. Variety 'Candicans' is the bluest of all firs. |
Abies grandis (Lowland Fir, Grand Fir) This species of Fir grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-17. They are native from British Columbia to Montana, down to northern California. Fast growing to 300 feet tall (200 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide in gardens). Fragrant, deep green needles are white-lined underneath and grow in two rows along branches. Varietal 'Johnsonii' is ideal for gardens, only reaching 65 feet tall and 10 feet wide. |
Abies koreana (Korean Fir) Grows best in zones 3b-9 and 14-24. This species is native to Korea, as its common name suggests. Slow grower; seldom gets above 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Green needles are short, and it has bluish purple cones, even on younger trees. Varieties include 'Aurea' (with gold-green foliage on a smaller, slower-growing tree) and 'Silberlocke' (With silver-white needle undersides). |
Abies lasiocarpa (Alpine Fir, Rocky Mountain Fir) Grows best in zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-17. Native to Alaska, Washington, Oregon and throughout the Rocky Mountains, this species of Fir grows into a narrow, steeple-shaped tree 60-90 feet tall and 10 feet wide. In gardens, it is shorter but wider. Needles are bluish green. |
Abies nordmanniana (Caucasian Fir, Nordmann Fir) Grows best in zones 1-11 and 14-24. Native to the Caucasus, Asia Minor, and Greece, this species has dense foliage and gets to be 30-50 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Needles are dark green and shiny, with white bands underneath. Needs regular water. Varietal 'Golden Spreader' grows slowly to 3-5 feet tall and 5 feet wide with bright golden yellow foliage, and does best in partial shade. Makes a great Christmas tree. |
Abies procera (Abies nobilis) (Noble Fir) This species grows best in zones 2-6 and 15-17 and is native to the Siskiyou Mountains in California and northern mountains of Oregon and Washington. Sold as a living Christmas tree. In its natural habitat it gets to 90-200 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, though it can get almost as large in gardens. Branches are short and needles are blue-green. Cones reach up to 10 inches long. |
Caring for and pruning Abies Trees
Firs are best planted in fall, and are relatively slow-growing; they take between 10 and 50 years to reach their mature height. They are low-maintenance trees, as long as they are planted in acid-rich soil that is rich and well-draining. They prefer full sun conditions, but can take partial shade as well. If planting multiple trees, make sure to space them far enough apart to allow their roots and canopies enough space, and mulch around the bottom of each tree to encourage soil moisture retention. The space requirement will vary depending on the tree planted. They do not transplant well, as their root systems are extensive and if damaged, can kill the tree.
Young trees should be watered regularly until root systems are established; provide with deep waterings to encourage deeper root systems. Do not allow water to pool near the bottoms of trees, as this can lead to other health issues. Feed young trees annually in early springtime with an organic, granular fertilizer. For older trees, fertilize yearly in springtime with a half-diluted fertilizer. Pruning is minimal; only prune to remove dead or damaged branches or foliage. Otherwise, allow the tree to keep its natural shape. When pruned, branches do not grow back; keep this in mind when making your cuts.
Young trees should be watered regularly until root systems are established; provide with deep waterings to encourage deeper root systems. Do not allow water to pool near the bottoms of trees, as this can lead to other health issues. Feed young trees annually in early springtime with an organic, granular fertilizer. For older trees, fertilize yearly in springtime with a half-diluted fertilizer. Pruning is minimal; only prune to remove dead or damaged branches or foliage. Otherwise, allow the tree to keep its natural shape. When pruned, branches do not grow back; keep this in mind when making your cuts.
Propagation
Abies can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if it is a hybrid variety tree. Having said this, propagating Fir from cutting is a very difficult process, best left to the professionals, who use grafting techniques to successfully grow new Fir trees. To propagate your Fir, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Abies by Seed
Propagating Abies by Seed
- Keep in mind that the Abies tree you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant, and that it will take up to two years to grow a tree that is ready for transplanting into the landscape. To propagate by seed, you will need a dish, a bowl, peat moss, a sealable container, potting soil, compost or other organic material, small and large pots (for potting it up as it grows), and vermiculite.
- Harvest your seeds. In fall, cones should be ready to be picked off the tree. Find some larger cones and remove them from the tree, placing them in a dish (a Pyrex glass tray works well for this). As the cones dry out, they will begin to drop their seeds, which will fall to the bottom of the dish.
- Collect your seeds and soak them overnight in water in a bowl. The next day, fill a sealable container with peat moss, add some water, and drop your seeds in. Place the container in the refrigerator for between one and four months.
- Water a pot filled with a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the surface. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light that stays between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Keep the growing medium moist until the seeds begin to sprout. Germination up to two months from sowing.
- Once the seedlings have sprouted, wait a few more weeks until they put out some true needles. Then, transplant them to their own larger individual pots filled with a mixture of garden soil and compost. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot. Place the pot in a sunny location, keep the soil moist, and feed twice a month with a diluted organic balanced fertilizer.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, and continue feeding until the plant reaches a height of about 2 feet. Repot as necessary to allow room for healthy root system development. It may take up to two years to reach this stage. Then, plant your propagated Abies in your landscape, and enjoy watching it grow.
Problems and Pests
Abies trees are generally known to be pest and disease-resistant, however they are susceptible to the following issues if not cared for properly:
- Aphids
- Root Rot
- Needle Rust
- Twig Blight
Gallery
Videos
How to grow and care for Abies koreana.
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Abies concolor: An informative video.
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How to identify White Fir.
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A great option for gardens: Abies nordmanniana 'Golden Spreader'.
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How to differentiate between similar-looking evergreen trees.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 124 - 125, Abies
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