Abies pindrow aka Pindrow Fir

Abies pindrow, the west Himalayan fir, is an evergreen conifer. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range runs from northern Afghanistan to Nepal. Records also place it in western Tibet, Pakistan, and northern India. It grows in mountain forests on shaded, north-facing slopes. These forests lie around 6,560–9,840 feet [2,000–3,000 metres] above sea level.

This slow-growing tree forms a narrow, cone-shaped crown. PFAF gives a height of about 98 feet [30 metres]. Oregon State reports trees reaching 200 feet [60 metres]. Its branches droop, and its bark is smooth. The slim, flat needles sit loosely above the twig. Their upper sides are bright green; their undersides are grey-green. Each needle ends in a sharp or unevenly split tip. The tree keeps its foliage through the year.

Male and female flowers grow on the same tree. Wind carries the pollen between them. PFAF describes the bloom colour as red. The upright cones have a cylindrical shape. They start dark purple and turn brown as they mature. Seeds ripen from October to November. The cones measure roughly 5–7 inches [12–17 centimetres] long. Their width reaches about 2–3 inches [6–7 centimetres].

This fir needs moist soil without standing water. It grows in sand, loam, and heavy clay. Slightly acid soil suits it best, though it accepts neutral soil. It can grow in sun, part shade, or deep shade. Young trees tolerate shade well, but dense shade slows growth. PFAF favours a north-facing site and warns against air pollution. British records show better growth in cooler, wetter northern and western areas. Late frosts can damage trees in southeastern Britain. There, crowns may thin, and trees may die before forty. Hardiness reports differ: PFAF lists USDA zones 5–7. Oregon State instead gives USDA zone 8.

Garden uses include screens, specimen trees, and woodland canopy planting. Its soft, light wood lacks lasting strength against decay. People use it for furniture, boxes, house interiors, and water troughs. It also serves as fuel. PFAF lists no known food or medicinal uses. It reports no known hazards, but this does not establish safety. Its weed assessment lists no weed potential.