WSU Clark County Extension
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Grand Fir

Scientific name: Abies grandis
Taxonomy
Family:Pinaceae
Type:Coniferous trees
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:250 ft
Width:25 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Well known as the largest true fir in the Pacific Northwest, used extensively in the forestry and Christmas tree industries.

  Morphology:
Grand Fir truly lives up to its descriptive name by growing up to 250’ tall on un-disturbed forest soils. It has conical shape, spreading out to 25’ in width at maturity. The lower drooping limbs bears needles arranged in a flat, 2-ranked arrangement. Upper limbs turn upward. Healthy needles can be up to 2” in length and are shiny green on the upper surface, and silvery-white on the lower surface. The needles have a very pleasing orange smell when touched or crushed.

Cones occur infrequently. Cones are held in an upright fashion and can be 2”-4” long. Most cones appear in the upper portion of the tree.

  Adaptation:
Grand fir is grown on a wide array of soil types, though it does best in areas west of the Cascades where summers are mild and winters are cool and wet. It can be raised in either sun or shade. It the Northwest it is raised as Christmas tree, especially on wetter sites where Noble or Douglas fir would perform poorly.

  Pests:
Balsam twig adelgid, and conifer aphids may be a problem.
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