Abies firma


Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusAbies
Speciesfirma
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The wood from this tree is harvested to construct coffins in Japan. In Japanese culture, the wood's uniformity and bright colour are appealing. Additionally, A. firma is used in Bonsai practices and as Christmas trees in North America.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6a - 9b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5a - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-23.2) - (-17.8)
Temperature (°F)(-10) - 0
Height12 - 50 m
Spread9 - 12 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA medium to large-sized evergreen tree that can reach mature heights of 50 m. Abies firma holds a crown of straight branches that tilt upwards at approximately 20 degrees.
ID CharacteristicComb like needles with medium to large upright cones.
ShapeBroadly pyramidal.
LandscapeWinter interest, woodlands, privacy screen, accent, shade, specimen, and aromatic properties.
PropagationSow seeds in late winter or in spring outdoors. Germination takes approximately 6-8 weeks.
CultivationPlant in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils in full sun.
PestsThis species is reportedly immune to balsam woolly adelgid and resistant to root rot. However, there is potential for bark beetle or spruce budworm.
HabitatFull sun, well-drained soils, neutral pH in a coastal region.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is brown with a scale texture. On young bark, there will be resin blisters. With age, the bark becomes more furrowed and corky.
Leaf DescriptionA. firma has approximately 5 to 6 cm long lush green needles. Needles are strongly two-ranked, appearing like a double-sided comb and are deeply notched.
Fruit DescriptionA. firma flowers from April to May; the fruit first appears almost neon green, turning from yellow to green to grey, and eventually turning brown with maturity. Fruit is an oblong shape, approximately 7 to 16 cm in length.
Colour DescriptionA. firma has lush green needles and greyish-brown bark.
Texture DescriptionMature specimen bark is scaly and fissured, while young specimens bear smoother bark accompanied by resin blisters.

Photographs