WSU Clark County Extension
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Horstmans’s Silberlocke Fir

Scientific name: Abies koreana 'Horstmann's Silberlocke'
Taxonomy
Family:Pinaceae
Type:Coniferous trees
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:15 ft
Width:5 ft
Bloom Time:June
Bloom Color:Purple
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description As if to be illuminated in a spotlight, the silvery-white needles of this rare Korean fir makes it a fascinating addition to the conifer garden where an accent plant is desired. In the trade growers often refer to this fir variant as a flocked Noble fir Christmas tree.

  Morphology:
This truly exceptional plant was discovered in Germany by Gunter Horstmann. As a slow growing garden conifer it grows 3”-6” a year, to an eventual height of 15’ and a width of 5’. It’s most striking feature are the strongly curved upright needles with brilliant white undersides.

As with all true firs, Horstmann’s Silberlocke bears upright cones near the top of the tree. They have a steely blue color when they first form. Seed from the female cones come true to type, thus aiding propagation.

  Adaptation:
The species does best in full sun on most soil types. It prefers the acidic sites west of the Cascades, as well as the cooler prevailing summers.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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