Abies lasiocarpa aka Alpine Fir

Abies lasiocarpa, or subalpine fir, is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range spans western North America, from Alaska and Yukon southward. Oregon State places its southern limit in New Mexico. It grows in mountain forests, often close to the timberline. On high, exposed slopes, it may stay shrub-sized. It can grow in poor, rocky ground in the wild.

The tree forms a slim crown with dense, short branches. These branches droop and may reach down to the ground. Growth is slow, and the tree is fairly short-lived. Garden size varies with the site and climate. RHS lists heights above 39 feet [12 metres]. It reports 66 feet [20 metres] under the best conditions. Other sources give an upper height of 100 feet [30 metres]. RHS lists a spread of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Lowland gardens may cause the tree to lose its shape.

Young bark is smooth and gray, with small resin blisters. Older bark can become rough and split near the base. Stiff brown twigs bear rounded buds coated with resin. Flat needles crowd the shoots and curve upward. Their color ranges from gray-green to pale blue-green. Pale lines mark the needle surfaces. The tree makes cones rather than flowers or fleshy fruit. Male and female cones grow on the same tree. Bluish male cones sit beneath the leaves. Purple female cones stand upright near the crown's top. Seed cones turn brown as they age. Their scales fall away to free winged seeds in autumn.

Grow this fir in a cool site with moist soil. It prefers deep soil that drains well and is slightly acid. RHS also lists neutral soil and clay, loam, or sand. Full sun suits it, though it can tolerate some shade. Sources rate it USDA zones 4a–7a and RHS H7. It needs no routine pruning and can grow from seed. Dense foliage makes it useful for screens and wildlife cover. Its narrow shape can serve as a garden focal point. Aphids, adelgids, and honey fungus may cause problems.

Plants For A Future records several food uses. Shoot tips make tea, while resin serves as chewing gum. Inner bark, seeds, and young cones also have recorded uses. That source lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. It records folk remedies made from bark, resin, and leaves. The soft wood has uses for fuel and pulp. Fragrant leaves and twigs have served as incense and moth repellents.