Subalpine Fir

(Abies lasiocarpa)

Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Abies lasiocarpa, commonly known as Subalpine Fir, is an evergreen tree that thrives in subalpine forests and alpine areas of the Western and Intermountain regions of the USA, as well as Western Canada. It is a medium-sized conifer with a very narrow conic crown, typically growing to 20 meters (66 ft) tall, with a trunk up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) thick. The bark on young trees is smooth, gray, and features resin blisters, while it becomes rough and fissured or scaly on mature trees. The lowest branches often start around 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) above the ground. The cones are distinctive, standing erect at 6–12 cm (2+1⁄4–4+3⁄4 in) long, initially dark purple with fine yellow-brown pubescence, ripening to brown and disintegrating to release the winged seeds in early fall.

Subalpine Fir is valued for its slender, spire-like form and is often used in naturalistic plantings and as a specimen in larger landscapes. It is also suitable for reforestation projects and high-altitude gardens. This species is adapted to cool climates and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to pests such as bark beetles and diseases like root rot in poor conditions. Subalpine Fir is not typically known for aggressive roots or invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 20-60 feet
  • Width: 2-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Subalpine forests and alpine areas in the Western and Intermountain regions of the USA, and Western Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Alpine Fir , Rocky Mountain Fir , Western Balsam Fir , White Balsam , Balsam Fir , Felsengebirgs-Tanne , Pino Real Blanco De Las Sierras , Sapin De Montagne , Sapin Subalpin , Sapin Concolore

Scientific Names: Abies lasiocarpa , Abies balsamea f. compacta , Abies grandis var. lasiocarpa , Abies lasiocarpa f. compacta , Abies lasiocarpa f. conica , Abies lasiocarpa var. conica , Pinus lasiocarpa f. compacta

GBIF Accepted Name: Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.