World Plants

Abies concolor (White or Silver Fir)

Michael's Opinion

Another class plant that is not planted as frequently as it should be. Although not tolerant of the wide exposure of conditions that Blue Spruce is, it is a good substitute in protected locations. Plants pictured here are at the University of Western Ontario or Rayner Gardens, London, Ontario, Canada.

Botanical Information

Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Abies
Species	concolor
Category	Woody
Type	Tree (evergreen)
Origin	The American west: Colorado, California and as far south as Mexico.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone	4
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone	2 - 5a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Zone	H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)	-29 - (-23)
Temperature (°F)	-20 - (-10)
Height	20 m
Spread	5 m
Growth	Medium
Flowering Period	May

Description and Growing Information

General Description	A broadly pyramidal tree, equal in stature to the more commonly planted Blue Spruce.
ID Characteristic	Coarse, blue tinged, flat needles, arranged around the upper portion of the branches.
Shape	Broadly pyramidal.
Landscape	A large plant that should be given room to showcase its form, it can be used in most landscapes where ordinary spruce would be used.
Propagation	From seed, 5°C at thirty days in a moist medium. For selections: grafted scions should be used on A. concolor seedling rootstock.
Cultivation	As easily cultivated plant if given good soils and adequate moisture during summer droughts. The pictured specimens receive no care but are planted in good, but light soils.
Pests	None that I have observed, although poor cultural conditions can have an impact on its vigour.
Notable Specimens	The University of Western Ontario and Rayner Gardens, London, Ontario, Canada.
Habitat	Mountain slopes of the American Rockies.
Bark/Stem Description	Smooth grey when young, flat fissured when older.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description	Light brown, blunt tipped buds often resinous.
Leaf Description	Coarse, blue tinged, flat needles, arranged around the upper portion of the branches.
Flower Description	A purple red colour and very, very visible.
Fruit Description	Quite unique, but seldom seen in Ontario. Held upright on the tops of the branches they gradually disintegrate to release their seeds. Immature cones are a dull blue.
Colour Description	The blue colour can be variable depending on propagation method: seed or clonal selection.
Texture Description	Medium textured, although softer looking than Blue Spruce.