Abies grandis aka Giant Fir

Abies grandis, or grand fir, belongs to the pine family. This evergreen tree comes from northwestern North America. Its range runs from British Columbia south to northern California. Separate inland stands reach Idaho and northwestern Montana. It grows in damp lowlands and on mountain slopes. This large tree needs far more space than most gardens offer. Sources report heights of 100–250 feet [30–76 m]. One gives an extreme of 300 feet [91 m]. Reported spreads reach about 35 feet [10.7 m].

Young trees have a narrow crown shaped like a cone. Older crowns may round off or form several leading stems. The branches can droop a little. Young bark looks grey-green and holds blisters of resin. Older bark turns brown-grey and develops grooves with flat ridges. The flat needles form two rows along many shoots. Their upper sides shine green, with two pale bands below. Each needle has a rounded or notched tip. Crushed needles smell like citrus. The buds hold resin, and bare twigs show round leaf scars.

Grand fir bears cones rather than true flowers or fruit. Each tree carries both pollen cones and seed cones. Yellow pollen cones grow beneath the leaves. Green seed cones stand upright near the crown's top. They turn reddish-brown as they ripen. Their scales fall away and release winged seeds. Birds, chipmunks and squirrels eat the seeds. Grouse eat needles, while deer and elk browse winter growth. The tree also gives wildlife shelter and places to nest.

Grow grand fir in sun or part shade. It prefers deep, rich soil that stays moist but drains well. Acidic soil suits it, though sources also list neutral soil. Cool, moist sites support its best growth. It grows fast and needs no routine pruning. Sources place it in USDA zones 4–6 or 5–6. The RHS rates its UK hardiness H7. It often grows poorly in the eastern United States. Large grounds and parks offer space for a specimen tree.

People grow grand fir for Christmas trees, wood and paper. Most trees lack major pest or disease trouble. Adelgids can cause serious local damage; aphids also occur. Other risks include beetles, mites, rots, cankers and honey fungus. Cooked inner bark has served as an emergency food. Young shoot tips make tea, and hardened gum has chewing uses. Traditional remedies used bark, leaves and resin. These records do not establish medical benefits. PFAF lists no known hazards.