World Plants Logo

search the world

Woody > Abies > Abies vietchii > Abies vietchii

Abies vietchii





Origin:  This plant originates from Japan, specifically the islands of Shikoku and Honshu and ranges across east Asia and central and southern Japan. First introduced in 1865.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

In my opinion, this tree is extremely versatile and can be used in various settings. It is an excellent ornamental tree that can make a beautiful edition to and property whether it be a backyard or a public park. The dark green needles cobined with its white undersides create a very appealing aesthetic, especially when combined with a snowy or winter landscape the white in the needles compliment it very nicely. It’s relative hardiness an fast growing nature make this tree not only fairly easy for the owner to plant and maintain but it also is quickly gratifying to see the tree sprout up and begin to grown in a relatively short time. Furthermore, it also has many ethnobotanical uses including sometimes being used as a Christmas tree so whether this tree is being planted or cut down it is always useful to have around.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Pinaceae
Genus
Abies
Species
vietchii
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (evergreen)
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 7
Canadian Hardiness Zone
Grow under glass
RHS Hardiness Zone
H3
Temperature (°C)
5
Temperature (°F)
41
Height
15 - 23 m
Spread
7 - 11 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
General Description
A medium to large sized evergreen tree, needles are a dark, glossy green colour and produces cones that appear blueish purple while they are young then brown as the tree matures.
Landscape
The Veitch Fir is an excellent choice for any landscape due to its hardiness and thick and attractive foliage. This makes this tree a perfect choice to plant as a specimen tree in any backyard or park setting as long as it is grown in the proper conditions. In addition to the standard Veitch Fir, there are also many different cultivars that provide excellent ornamental value to any landscape, specifically the Hedregott Veitch Fir which is much smaller than the standard species making it much more manageable to plant and also has needles with brilliant bright white undersides that match and winter environment and will be sure to catch the eye of any spectator.
Cultivation
The Veitch Fir grows at high elevations usually between 1200 – 2800 metres. It prefers to grow in moist but not overly waterlogged soils. This tree is very tolerant to partial shade, especially when it is young, however its growth is slowed considerably in dense shade. It prefers to be grown in slightly acidic soil (pH 5).
Shape
Narrow, upright, conical crowned tree that usually grows 15-23 metres tall.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
Glossy, dark green needles that are 1 -2 cm long and about 0.15 cm wide with chalky white bands on the underside and a needle apex that is notched. These needles are very dense in the crown and around the stem with lower needles spreading outward and inner needles erect and shorter. The most obvious ID characteristic of this specimen are its distinctly bluish-purple cones that are produced while the tree is still relatively young.
Pests
The Veitch Fir like most other fir species is susceptible to pests and diseases, specifically spruce budworm, wooly adelgid as well as several other canker diseases.
Habitat
This tree is native to central and southern Japan. It ranges from eastern Asia to Japan and is typically found growing at high elevations (1200 – 2800 metres).
Bark/Stem Description
The bark of this tree is light grey in colour and very smooth. The bark will also show signs of resin blisters which is common in many firs. Stems appear green in colour when young, becoming more of a reddish-brown when matured. The stems are also pubescent, with short brown hairs.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
The Veitch Fir has small, resinous buds that are nearly globular and greyish-brown in colour.
Leaf Description
The needles of this tree are 1 – 2 cm long and 0.15 cm wide and gradually taper closer to the base of the stem. The upper surface of the needles are a glossy dark green colour and the underside of the needles have very prominent chalky white bands of stomata. The apex of these needles are notched and the foliage is very dense with the inner needles being noticeably shorter and more erect than the lower needles.
Flower Description
The Veitch Fir has flowers that are monoecious, meaning it has both male and female flowers that bloom in May. These flowers are inconspicuous and very difficult to see.
Fruit Description
This tree produces fruit in the form of cylindrical, sessile cones, 5 – 7 cm long and 2 and ½ cm wide. These cones appear blueish grey when the tree is young, turning brown as the tree continues to mature. These cones taper slightly and have yellowish green bracts.
Colour Description
The needles of the Veitch Fir are dark green and glossy with white bands on the underside of the needle. Its stems are reddish brown in colour and its bark is a shade of light grey. While the tree is still young its cones are a bluish-purple colour, however the begin to turn brown as the tree matures.
Texture Description
The stems of this tree are pubescent with short brown hairs. The actual wood of the tree is described as a medium texture and is relatively strong and elastic. The bark of the Veitch Fir is also extremely smooth.
Propagation
When propagating the Veitch Fir there is a significant increase in germination percentages when the seeds are stratified during planting. The seeds should be stratified in a moist medium at 5 degrees Celsius for 15-30 days. The seeds should be planted in early February if it is being propagated in a greenhouse or in late March if it is being planted outside. As soon as the seedlings grow large enough to handle without damaging, transfer them into pots and grown them for at least their first winter in the pots. Next, re-plant the trees in their permanent positions in either late spring or early summer. This should be after the final frost of the year in order to protect the young trees from potential frost damage as they will not yet be hardy enough to withstand the cold. The ideal spot to plant this tree should have at least partial shade with moist but well drained soil.
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer)
The wood of the Veitch Fir is very sturdy and elastic, making it ideal for crafting various items such as boxes, wooden utensils as well as spindles. Interestingly enough the Veitch Fir is also known to sometimes be used as a Christmas tree in some countries.
goToTop
top