Description

Abies- Fir

This mid to large evergreen shrubs and trees, makes them ideal for shurburn areas.  They prefer cool-cold climates such as Europe, North Africa, Asia and North America mountainous areas where they escape urban pollution and extreme temperatures although some varies expand into the tropics.  These fir’s has long narrow, needles that are distributed equally horizontal and laterally along the twig. Color differs mid to dark green often with grayish white bands underneath. Female cones grow erect on upper branches, which ripen over a year then release seeds.

They prefer sun moist soil or soil with good moisture retention but with good drainage, neutral to alkaline soil.  The only pruning needed to be done is to remove dead twigs to insure good circulation.

Prone to adelgids, bark beetles, bagworms and spruce budworms.  A wide variety of fungi cause needle blights and root rots.  Rust diseases are common.

Abies pinsopapo – Spanish Fir –  From the dry climates of the mountains of southern Spain where it can grow to 90 feet tall.  Is conical shape tree becoming more irregular in shape as it ages.  This fir adapts to a wide range of soils and climates. The needles are short rigid and are less flattened then other firs and have a bluish white stripes on both top and bottom.  Small purple brown cones appear on the lower branches in spring.  The seed cones are produced towards the top of the tree.  Especially admired is the cultivars with blue needles ‘Glauca’ or ‘Kelleris’ is robust dwarf verity.

Zones 6-8