Given the nickname 'Lord of the Firs' in a Chinese documentary about Cathaya argyrophylla, the species was heavily guarded from export by Chinese authorities for many years which lead to eventual loss of interest after having been, for some time, the 'Holy Grail' of horticulture.
Pests and Diseases are not a threat but the poor regeneration rate of these plants may soon be a threat in itself. Over half the population of these trees have disappeared due to over cutting before it became a protected species.
Notable Specimens
Whistling Gardens, Wilsonville, Ontario, Canada. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
Habitat
Grows on steep sloped mountains of Southern China in limestone soil.
Photographs
Leaf photo taken at Westonbirt Gardens, June 2014.