Abies bracteata
bristlecone fir
An evergreen, coniferous tree of slender habit, reaching up to 20 - 35m when mature. New distinctive shoots are non-resinous, long and spindle-shaped. Sharp-pointed, dark glossy needles, silvery green beneath, are among the longest and widest of all Abies, growing to 5cm long and 3 mm wide. They cover branches in 3 or 4 ranks. The species is also distinctive by its unique, golden-brown seed cones. Ovoid, up to 8cm long cones have large, protruding bracts with long, narrow, reflexed points, often covered with drops of resin.
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 | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Green | ||
| 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
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
- SW California
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
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.