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.
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
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
- 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
Diseases
Generally disease-free, but may be affected by honey fungus.
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