Abies firma
Japanese fir
An evergreen conifer to 40-50m tall, with stiff, tough needles that are light green above and whitish green under neath. Needles of young trees are forked with sharp tips, becoming notched or blunt when older. The cylindrical cones are yellowish green, with yellow bracts and mature to yellowish brown. Cones appear in late spring and are 10-15cm tall and 3-5cm wide
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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, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | Green Yellow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Brown Yellow | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
- Japan
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. Young shoots may be damaged spring frosts. See conifer cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus
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