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Native Plant Database

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Abies bracteata (D. Don) D. Don ex Poit.

Bristlecone fir

Pinaceae (Pine Family)

USDA Symbol: ABBR

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The rarest of the firs, with narrow, conical, spirelike crown of short, slightly drooping branches. The entire natural range of this rare species is limited to a coastal strip about 60 miles (97 km) long within Los Padres National Forest.

 

From the Image Gallery

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 72-100 ft. , 36-72 ft.
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Breeding System: Monoecious
Fruit Type: Cone
Size Notes: 30 to 100 feet.
Fruit Color: Cones are purplish-brown.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Green
Bloom Time: Mar
Bloom Notes: Male catkins yellow.

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: Santa Lucia Mountains of S. California; at 2000-5000 (610-1524 m); locally at 600 (183 m).
Native Habitat: Steep, rocky slopes and canyons; in mixed evergreen forests.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun

Benefit

Interesting Foliage: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds , Softwood Cuttings
Seed Treatment: Stratify seeds 3 to 4 months.
Maintenance: Pruning is not necessary.

 

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

Native Plants for Use in the California Landscape (1978) Labadie, E. L.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Abies bracteata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Abies bracteata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Abies bracteata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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