Flaigg, Norman G.
Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr.
Balsam fir, Colorado fir, Concolor fir, Oyamel de California, Silver fir, White balsam, White fir
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
Symetrically conical in youth, this
evergreen becomes more irregular and rounded with age. It grows to a height of 50-150 ft. Lower branches extend to ground when open-grown but when crowded, half or more of the trunk is bare. Needles are silvery blue-green and 2-3 in. long – the longest of any fir. White fir derives its name from its silvery-white bark. Very large fir, widespread in western mountains, with narrow, pointed crown of short, symmetrical, horizontal branches; 2 geographic varieties.
Rocky Mountain White Fir (var.
concolor), of the Rocky Mountain region, grows in the warmest and driest climate of all
native firs. California White Fir (var.
lowiana (Gord.) Lemm.), the Pacific Coast variety, is grown for ornament, shade, and Christmas trees. The scientific name, meaning of uniform color, refers to both
needle surfaces.
Image Gallery:
3 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Root Type: Tap Leaf Retention: Evergreen Leaf Complexity: Simple Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Margin: Entire Breeding System: Flowers
Unisexual ,
Monoecious Size Notes: Height 60-100 feet, spread 40-60 feet.
Leaf: Yellowish-green to bluish-green in young trees turning whitish with age.
Flower:
Fruit: Cones purplish, olive-green or dark yellowish-green. Cylindrical, 2 to 5 1/2 inches long.
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , ME , MA , NV , NM , OR , UT , WY
Native Distribution: S.w. ID & s.e. OR, w. to mts. of c. CO, & s. to s. CA, AZ & NM
Native Habitat: Arid mt. areas; dry slopes; rocky places
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Drought Tolerance: High
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Well-drained, gravelly or sandy-loam soils.
Conditions Comments: Western white fir transplants readily and is drought- & cold- tolerant. It will adapt to most soils, except heavy clay. Under good conditions, 1 to 1 1/2 ft. of growth can be expected per season, but this is generally a very slow-growing tree. It tolerates light shade and has no serious disease and insect problems. This species benefits from the protection of a mother plant the first 10 years.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: The winged seeds of this and other firs are eaten by songbirds and various mammals, especially squirrels and chipmunks. Deer and grouse feed on the foliage; porcupines gnaw the bark.
Use Other: Wood used for paper pulp and general lumber for building construction.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Last Update: 2007-01-01
