Veitch’s Silver-Fir

(Abies veitchii)

Veitch’s Silver-Fir (Abies veitchii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Abies veitchii, commonly known as Veitch’s Silver-Fir, is an evergreen tree native to the subalpine forests and mountain regions of Japan. It exhibits a fast growth rate, reaching heights of 25–30 meters with a narrowly conical crown, horizontal branches, and pubescent shoots. The needles are short, stiff, and spirally arranged, contributing to the dense foliage of this fir. Veitch’s Silver-Fir is particularly noted for its attractive purplish cones that mature to a brown color, which appear in the upper crown of mature trees.

In the landscape, Veitch’s Silver-Fir is valued for its elegant form and dense evergreen foliage, making it a popular choice for ornamental plantings and as a focal point in large gardens. While it is shade-tolerant in its youth, it prefers full sun as it matures. It requires medium amounts of water and can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. Gardeners should be aware that despite its beauty, Veitch’s Silver-Fir is not particularly long-lived and may require replacement after several decades. It is also susceptible to aphids and adelgids, which can cause damage to the foliage and overall health of the tree.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 50-70 feet
  • Width: 12-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Subalpine forests and mountain regions of Japan

Other Names

Common Names: Christmastree, Veitch Fir, Veitch’s Silver Fir, Abete De Veitch, Japanse Zilverspar, Fujigran, Shirabe, Shirabiso

Scientific Names: , Abies veitchii, Picea veitchii,

GBIF Accepted Name: Abies veitchii Lindl.