Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin information

 Native Plant Database

Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.


Giant fir, Grand fir

Pinaceae (Pine Family)



One of the tallest true firs, with narrow, pointed crown of stout, curved, and slightly drooping branches.

Common and scientific names refer to the large size; the champion in Olympic National Park, Washington, is 231 (70.4 m) tall with a circumference of 208 (6.3 m). Like those of related species, the smooth bark of small trunks has swellings or blisters; when pinched or opened, fragrant, transparent resin or balsam squirts out. Low to mid elevation south-coastal BC and Kootenay Lake,

Kwakwadawakw shamans wove its branches into head-dresses and costumes and used the branches for scrubbing individuals in purification rites.
The Hesquiat used its branches as incense and decorative clothing for wolf dancers. (pojar/mackinnon)
Occasionally used as a fuel. Some interior peoples, Okanagan, made canoes from its bark.
The pitch was applied to bows for a secure grip and rubbed on paddles and scorched for a good finish.
A brown dye from its bark was used in basketry by the Straits Salish, along with a pink dye made by mixing the brown dye with red ochre.
Its knots were shaped, steamed and carved into halibut hooks and other types of fish hooks by the Ditidaht, Staits Salish and other coastal groups. (pojar/ mackinnon)
Sometimes mixed with stinging nettles, it was boiled and the decoction used for bathing and as a general tonic by the Kwakwakawakw and other peoples.
The Lushootseed boiled its needles to make a medicinal tea for colds.
The Ditidaht sometimes brought its boughs inside as an air freshener or burned them as an incense and to make a purifying smoke to wark off sickness.
The bark was crushed with the barks of red alder and western hemlock and made into an infusion that the Ditidaht drank for internal injuries.
The Hesquiat mixed the pitch of young grand fir trees with oil and rubbed it on the scalp as a deodorant and to prevent balding. (pojar/mackinnon)

No images of this plant

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 72-100 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , MT , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: S. B.C. to w. MT, s. to n.w. CA
Native Habitat: Low, wooded hills & valleys near the coast
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

Use Other: Kwakwadawakw shamans wove its branches into head-dresses and costumes and used the branches for scrubbing individuals in purification rites.
The Hesquiat used its branches as incense and decorative clothing for wolf dancers. (pojar/mackinnon)
Occasionally used as a fuel. Some interior peoples, Okanagan, made canoes from its bark.
The pitch was applied to bows for a secure grip and rubbed on paddles and scorched for a good finish.
A brown dye from its bark was used in basketry by the Straits Salish, along with a pink dye made by mixing the brown dye with red ochre.
Its knots were shaped, steamed and carved into halibut hooks and other types of fish hooks by the Ditidaht, Staits Salish and other coastal groups. (pojar/ mackinnon)
Sometimes mixed with stinging nettles, it was boiled and the decoction used for bathing and as a general tonic by the Kwakwakawakw and other peoples.
The Lushootseed boiled its needles to make a medicinal tea for colds.
The Ditidaht sometimes brought its boughs inside as an air freshener or burned them as an incense and to make a purifying smoke to wark off sickness.
The bark was crushed with the barks of red alder and western hemlock and made into an infusion that the Ditidaht drank for internal injuries.
The Hesquiat mixed the pitch of young grand fir trees with oil and rubbed it on the scalp as a deodorant and to prevent balding. (pojar/mackinnon).
Fragrant Foliage: yes

Last Update: 2007-01-01