Banner Photo Credit: Dave Powell, CC By 3.0us
Family: Pinaceae
Latin Name: Abies concolor
Common Name(s): White fir, Concolor fir
Deciduous or Evergreen: Evergreen
Native Range: Western United States
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7
Mature Height: 40-70’
Mature Spread: 20-30’
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Native to Minnesota: No
Shade Tolerant: Partial
Description:
White fir is a western fir species commonly used in the Christmas tree industry. Needles are arranged spirally around a branch, but curve slightly and thus appear relatively flat. They are long, rounded at the end, and uniform in color on both the upper and lower surfaces, although there are two white lines that run the length of the underside of the needle. The entire needle is covered in a waxy covering that gives the trees a bluish tint. When the needles are crushed, they give off a citrus smell. Cones vary in size, are barrel shaped, and appear upright on the branches. They are often yellowish-green and mature to brown or purple. Bark is smooth and grey when young, becoming furrowed with age.
White fir is an important timber species, but is seen more commonly in the Midwest as a Christmas tree. There are two main varieties of white fir, the Rocky Mountain fir (var. concolor), found primarily in Southern Idaho and the four corner states, and the California white fir (var. lowiana), found primarily in California and Oregon.
A recent study from the Department of Forest Resources explored different fertilizer treatments for white fir Christmas tree nurseries.
Issues:
Dwarf mistletoe (Phoradendron pauciflorum), a parasitic plant, can be a major issue for white fir. Common fir fungal diseases, such as Armillaria, can also affect white fir, while the fir engraver beetle (Scolytus ventralis), can kill trees.
Other resources:
Photo Credit: Dave Powell, CC By 3.0 us
