Abies koreana aka Corean Fir

Abies koreana, or Korean fir, belongs to the pine family. It comes from South Korea's mountains, including the island of Jejudo. This evergreen tree grows slowly and forms a pointed crown. Its branches spread out in tiers along the trunk. Garden trees often reach 15–30 feet (4.6–9.1 metres) tall. They spread about 6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 metres) wide. RHS gives larger mature sizes, up to 39 feet (12 metres). Its spread may reach 26 feet (8 metres). Other accounts report heights of 50–60 feet (15.2–18.3 metres).

Short, flat needles crowd the stems and stay through winter. Their glossy green tops contrast with two pale bands beneath. Each needle has a small notch at its tip. The foliage has a scent but no autumn colour change. Young bark feels smooth and bears bumps filled with resin. Its colour ranges from grey-brown to darker brown. Older trunks may develop scales, grooves, or plates. New shoots change from green-grey to pink-grey as they age. Fine hairs cover parts of these young shoots.

Korean fir bears cones rather than true flowers or fruit. Male and female cones grow on the same tree. Male cones range from yellow to purple in colour. Blue-purple female cones form high in the crown. The upright seed cones appear even on young trees. They reach about 0.25 feet (0.08 metres) in length. Pointed bracts can extend beyond their resinous cone scales. The cones turn tan or brown as they ripen. In autumn, they break apart and release winged seeds.

Grow this fir in cool sites with moist, well-drained soil. Full sun suits it, though it can take partial shade. Rich soil with an acidic to neutral pH works best. Heavy clay, standing water, and polluted city air cause problems. It tolerates more heat than some firs but prefers cool summers. Hot, humid sites south of USDA zone 7 do not suit it. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–7 and RHS H7. It needs no routine pruning and may take decades to mature.

Gardeners use Korean fir as a lawn specimen or accent. It also serves as a screen or Christmas tree. Its needles and coloured cones give gardens interest through winter. Shallow roots make it easier to move than some trees. Possible pests include aphids, adelgids, bark beetles, and scale insects. Bagworms and spruce budworms may also attack it. Spider mites can occur during hot weather. Root rot, needle rust, twig blight, and honey fungus are possible. Reports differ on deer resistance; UConn records frequent deer damage.