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Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.
Giant fir, Grand fir
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
USDA Symbol: abgr
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
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)
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Time: Apr , MayDistribution
USA: CA , ID , MT , OR , WACanada: 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: MediumLight 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
Propagation
Description: Abies spp. are best propagated by seeds sown in early spring. In nature, Abies seeds often germinate on melting snow fields.Seed Collection: Cone scales bear two seeds at the base. Mature seed has a large wing and is ovoid to oblong. Seeds can be damaged easily. Seeds store best in a dry, cool environment.
Seed Treatment: Straification for 3 months at 30 degrees improves germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
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 pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Abies grandis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Abies grandis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Abies grandis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
