Abies kawakamii
Formosan fir
Upright-growing, evergreen coniferous tree, reaching a height of 15m when mature and grown in optimal conditions. Bark on young trees is grey, later grayish-brown with scales. Needles are 10-15mm short, linear, rounded at the tip, dark green with white lines around the tip and on the below side, densely arranged around branchlets. New vegetative buds are very resinous, egg-shaped, approx. 5mm long. Pollen cones are yellowish, up to 1cm long. Seed cones are dark blue when young, up to 9cm long and 4cm wide, maturing through bluish-purple to purplish-brown.
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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, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Purple Blue | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Purple Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green White | Brown | ||
| Winter | Green White |
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
- Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in cooler climates. This species comes from high montane forests of Taiwan, and performs best in areas with high humidity and rainfall. See conifer cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus but generally disease-free
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