Abies procera aka Red Fir

Taxonomy

Genus Abies Family Pinaceae Order Pinales Class Pinopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Abies procera, also known as the noble fir, red fir, Christmas tree, is a species of fir native to the Cascade Range and Pacific Coast Ranges of the northwestern Pacific Coast of the United States. It is a picturesque, long-lived tree with a conical crown and blue needles. The golden cultivar of this fir has a pyramidal crown and golden-green foliage, with needles that are up to 3.5cm long and up-curved. The golden color is most prominent on parts exposed to sunlight, while the interior is greener. This cultivar has a slower growth rate compared to the species, reaching a height of approximately 1 meter after 10 years and later growing into a large tree. The annual growth rate is around 10-15 cm per year. A. procera is a high-altitude tree that typically occurs at altitudes of 300–1,500 meters. It can reach heights of up to 70 meters, with a narrow conic crown. The bark on young trees is smooth and gray, becoming red-brown, rough, and fissured on older trees. The leaves are needle-like, glaucous blue-green in color, and arranged spirally on the shoot. The cones are erect and can reach lengths of 11–22 cm, with purple scales that are mostly hidden by long exserted yellow-green bract scales. The specific epithet "procera" means "tall." This fir species is closely related to red fir (A. magnifica), which can be distinguished by the presence of a groove along the midrib on the upper side of the leaves. Red fir also has less closely packed leaves, with the shoot bark visible between them. Some botanists consider A. magnifica var. shastensis to be a hybrid between noble fir and red fir.

Common names

Red Fir, Christmastree, Noble Fir

How to care for Red Fir

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Red Fir is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Red Fir should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Red Fir, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Noble Fir is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Red Fir will thrive!

Lighting

Red Fir requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Christmastree is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Red Fir is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Red Fir’s native range is Western N. America - Washington to N. California. Self-sows in Britain - in Scotland[11].

More info:
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More Species in Abies Genus

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Abies concolor Colorado Fir

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Abies mariesii Marie's Fir

Abies homolepis Nikko Fir

Abies pindrow Pindrow Fir

Abies religiosa Sacred Fir

Abies alba Common Silver Fir

Abies amabilis Pacific Silver Fir

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