WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants Searchable, categorized images
              

White Fir

Scientific name: Abies concolor
Taxonomy
Family:Pinaceae
Type:Coniferous trees
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 9
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:120 ft
Width:30 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Landscapers value White Fir for its concentric pyramidal shape and striking blue-cast foliage. Another commonly used name for this species is Concolor Fir.

  Morphology:
As a native to the Rocky Mountains of the western United States, White Fir grows to an eventual height of more than 100'. In ornamental plantings it typically grows 75’, with a width of 20’-30’ in a symmetrical, conic and formal shape. It bears needles which are 2”-3” long, which are arranged horizontally on the stem. Needles curve up and out at their ends (like a human rib-cage). They are glaucous on both sides giving them a distinctive blue cast.

Young trees usually hold their branches to the base of the tree. Older trees however loose the lower one-third of their limbs.

Mature trees bear 5” long upright cones in the upper portion of the canopy. When mature the cones break apart releasing the pine nuts within.

  Adaptation:
White Fir tolerates a wide range of soil types, but prefers ones that are more acidic. In areas west of the Cascade Mountains they thrive on the humid winter conditions.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234