Abies guatemalensis
Guatemala fir
An evergreen, coniferous tree, and the most southerly occuring fir species. Young branches are reddish-brown in their first year, maturing to grey. Dark green, glossy needles up to 5cm long and 2mm wide are spread in two ranks on both sides of shoots. Vegetative buds are ovoid and resinous. Seed cones are purple-blue when young, maturing to very dark brown-purple.
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Abies are evergreen conifers, often very tall, with whorled branches bearing flattened, linear leaves, often whitish beneath, and on the upper branches, large cones which break up whilst attached to the tree
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico to Honduras
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in cooler climates. See conifer cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by grafting.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus.
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