Abies homolepis aka Nikko Fir

Abies homolepis, or Nikko fir, is an evergreen tree from Japan. Its native range covers central and southern Japan, including Honshu and Shikoku. It grows in mountain areas and belongs to the pine family. In gardens, it reaches 30–50 feet [9.1–15.2 metres] tall. Its spread can reach 30 feet [9.1 metres]. Larger trees can reach 100–120 feet [30.5–36.6 metres]. Dense branches cover the trunk from base to crown. The tree keeps its pyramid shape as it ages.

The flat needles stay green through winter, without autumn color. They measure about 0.5–1.5 inches long. Their glossy, dark green tops contrast with two white bands beneath. Each needle has a rounded or notched tip. Needles crowd the stems and shorten toward the shoot tips. On lower branches, they tend to form two flat rows. New shoots are yellow, with clear grooves between the needles. Fallen needles leave round, flat scars on the stiff twigs. Resin coats the buds. Young bark has resin blisters on a smooth surface. Older bark turns brown or gray-brown and becomes rough and scaly.

Nikko fir bears male and female cones on one tree. It does not produce flowers with ornamental value. Yellowish male cones sit beneath the leaves. Young female cones stand upright near the crown’s top. They start green or yellow-green. The upright seed cones reach about four inches long. Sources describe their color as purple-green or light brown. These barrel-shaped to cylindrical cones occur throughout the crown. Their scales fall away as the seeds ripen.

This fir grows best in cool climates and well-drained soil. It prefers moist loam and dislikes high soil pH. Full sun suits it, though it also accepts partial shade. Its water needs are moderate. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–6 for cultivation. It reports poor growth in warmer areas south of zone 6. The tree tolerates wind, but dry winter winds can harm it. Growers can raise new plants from seed. Plants may be hard to find in nurseries.

Its dense evergreen form suits parks, screens, and group plantings. It also works as a single landscape tree with winter interest. Deer often damage it. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major insect or disease problems. It may withstand city pollution better than many other firs. Its light, soft, coarse-grained wood serves for building and paper pulp. Plants For A Future records no known food or medicinal uses. That source lists no known hazards and no weed potential. These records do not establish that any part is edible.