Abies magnifica
red fir
Very tall, evergreen, conifer tree, reaching height up to 25-35m in optimal conditions. Crown on young trees is narrowly conical, becoming more open, barrel-shaped on older trees. The common name of this Fir refers to the reddish-brown bark of mature specimens. Needle-like leaves are up to 3.5cm long, blue-green in colour, glossy above, with two pale, grey lines underneath. Needles are spirally arranged along the shoots, slightly twisted, bending upwards. Barrel-shaped, golden-green seed cones are 18 - 25 cm long, with concealed bracts.
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 | Gold Yellow Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| 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
- USA (California, Oregon, Nevada)
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.