Abies recurvata
min fir
A large, evergreen, coniferous tree with a pyramidal crown that can grow over 20m tall. Dense needle-like foliage is pale-green when young, later maturing to dark green. Stiff, sharp-pointed needles are 1.5-2cm long, tips are bent upwards. Glossy green above, with two stomatal lines on reverse. Young shoots are pale-grey. Small purple seed cones develop on adult trees in spring, later maturing to purple-brown.
Buy this plant
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 | Grey Silver Green | Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Green | Purple Brown | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | Brown | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
- SE Tibet to C China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in cooler climates. Fast growing in optimal conditions, this Fir is reasonably drought-tolerant. See conifer cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required.
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free, but may be affected by honey fungus.
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.