Abies amabilis aka Pacific Silver Fir

Abies amabilis, or Pacific silver fir, is an evergreen conifer. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range runs from Alaska to northern California. It grows along coastal ranges and in the Cascade Mountains. Mountain slopes form much of its habitat. In the north, it also grows near sea level. Deep, damp soils and cool, wet air suit it best.

The tree has a straight trunk and dense, cone-shaped crown. Garden sources give heights of about 50–98 feet [15–30 metres]. Wild trees can reach 260 feet [79 metres]. Spread may reach 20–30 feet [6–9 metres]. Sources describe its growth as slow to moderate. Young bark is smooth and pale gray, with resin blisters. Older bark forms scales and grooves near the trunk base. Young twigs bear pale to reddish hairs. Rounded buds carry a coating of resin.

Flat needles crowd the sides and tops of the shoots. Most point forward toward the branch tip. Their upper sides are dark, glossy green. Two white bands give the undersides a silver look. Most needle tips have a small notch. Crushed needles give off an orange scent. Needles near cones can be curved and sharp. The tree bears both male and female cones. Reddish male cones sit below the needles. Purple female cones stand upright near the crown top. Seed cones turn brown as they mature. Their scales fall away to free the winged seeds.

Pacific silver fir needs cool summers with humid air. It grows in full sun and also tolerates shade. Deep soil should stay moist but drain well. Slightly acid soil suits it, though neutral soil also works. Sources list USDA zone 5 and UK rating H7. It needs no routine pruning and can grow from seed. Its large size suits parks and roomy landscape plantings. People also use it for Christmas trees and cut greenery. Its wood supplies paper pulp, crates, and some light construction.

Aphids and adelgids may attack this fir. Honey fungus and annosus root disease can cause problems. Root disease can leave older trees open to beetle attack. Young shoot tips have been used to make tea. Recorded food uses also include inner bark and hardened pitch. Indigenous peoples used bark and resin in traditional remedies. These records do not establish medical benefit. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards.