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Abies amabilis

Pacific silver fir

Large, conical, evergreen conifer tree growing up to 20 - 30m. New shoots are covered in pale hairs, and small, spherical, resinous buds. Needles, 2 - 3cm long are crowded, borne densely on the upper surface of each shoot, spreading forwards in two rows, neatly covering the branchlet. New female cones are purple, ripening to brown, 9 - 15cm long, ovoid to cylindrical with hidden bracts.

Other common names
Christmas tree
red silver fir
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 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 Brown
Autumn Green Grey Silver Brown
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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
S Alaska to W Oregon

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be affected by honey fungus.

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