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Abies concolor

white fir

Large, evergreen coniferous tree to 40m tall, with smooth grey bark, grooved and scaly on old trees, a conical crown and long slender blue- or grey-green needles. Cones are purple when young, turning to brown as they mature. Makes a nice specimen tree for a large space

Other common names
Colorado fir
western white fir
Synonyms
Abies concolor var. concolor
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver Purple
Autumn Green Grey Silver Brown
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Pinaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, 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
Western N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, neutral to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun, with some shelter from cold winds. See conifer cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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