Abies magnifica aka California Red Fir

Abies magnifica, or California red fir, is an evergreen conifer. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its reported range spans California, southwest Oregon, and western Nevada. Oregon State notes that Oregon trees may instead be hybrids. In the wild, it grows on high slopes and ridges. These sites lie at 4,920–8,860 feet [1,500–2,700 metres]. The best trees grow with cool, moist air.

This fir becomes a large tree with a tall crown. RHS gives heights of 82–115 feet [25–35 metres] under good conditions. Its listed garden spread reaches 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Other sources describe trees reaching 125–200 feet [38–61 metres]. Young trees have a narrow, cone-shaped crown and short branches. Older crowns open out and take on a barrel shape. Young bark is pale grey, then turns reddish brown. Deep grooves and ridges form as the trunk ages.

The blue-green needles curve upward from their bases. They grow in spirals and reach about 1.4 inches long. RHS describes shiny upper surfaces and pale lines beneath. Virginia Tech notes a whitish coating across the needles. Most needle tips are rounded, though some end in points. The stiff, reddish-brown twigs retain round scars after needles fall. Small brown buds cluster at the ends of shoots.

One tree bears both male and female cones. Purple to dark-red male cones grow beneath the branches. Female cones stand upright near the crown's top. Seed cones reach about 6–10 inches in length. Sources describe green, purple, and brown cone colours at different stages. The bracts remain shorter than the cone scales. As seeds ripen, the scales drop from the cones. This species can form the canopy of a woodland garden. Its size and upright shape also suit architectural planting.

Grow red fir in full sun and cool conditions. It prefers deep, moist soil that drains well. Acid soil suits it best, though RHS also lists neutral soil. It accepts clay, loam, or sand, but tolerates drought poorly. RHS rates its cold hardiness H7; PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. It needs no routine pruning, and seed provides propagation. Aphids and adelgids may attack it; honey fungus is another risk. PFAF reports no known food or medicinal uses, or known hazards. Its light, soft wood serves as fuel, lumber, boxes, and pulp.