Abies firma aka Japanese Fir

Abies firma, or momi fir, is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. It comes from central and southern Japan's hills and mountains. Its range includes Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Wild trees grow on both dry and moist sites. They occur from near sea level to high mountain slopes. Garden trees reach 40–70 feet (12–21 metres) tall. Reported garden widths range from 13–50 feet (4–15 metres). Wild trees can reach 150–164 feet (46–50 metres).

The crown forms a cone, and growth is slow. Young branches rise, then spread more level with age. The grooved shoots range from buff to grey-brown. Young bark has resin blisters on its grey-brown surface. Older bark develops scales, deep cracks, and a corky feel. The flat, scented needles grow in two rows. They measure about 0.8–1.5 inches long and feel prickly. Their green upper sides contrast with paler striped undersides. Young needles have two sharp points at their tips.

This fir has cones rather than flowers or fruit. Seed cones stand upright and appear in late spring. They measure 3–6 inches long and remain showy through summer. Their green and yellow shades turn brown as they mature. In autumn, cones break apart and release their seeds. Only the central stalk stays on the branch. Smaller pollen cones hang down from the leaf axils.

Grow it in moist soil that drains well. It prefers rich soil with a slightly acid pH. It also grows in neutral soil and tolerates clay. Full sun suits it best, though some shade is acceptable. Afternoon shade helps in places with hot summers. It handles southern US heat and humidity better than most firs. Sources rate it for USDA zones 6–9 and UK H6. Late spring frost can damage new shoots. It needs little upkeep and no routine pruning. Large gardens can use it as a specimen or screen. It also serves as bonsai and a Christmas tree.

Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon, but several can occur. Watch for beetles, budworms, aphids, bagworms, scale, and mites. Possible diseases include cankers, rots, needle rust, and twig blight. RHS also lists honey fungus and adelgids as possible threats. Other sources report resistance to the balsam woolly adelgid. Its light, soft wood supplies flooring, crates, and paper pulp. PFAF lists roasted seeds as edible, though small and awkward to use. It reports no known hazards or medicinal uses.