Abies spectabilis aka Himalayan Fir

Abies spectabilis is an evergreen tree in the pine family, Pinaceae. Its names include east Himalayan fir and king pine. Kew gives its native range as northern Afghanistan to Nepal. Plants For A Future lists western Tibet and northern India too. In Nepal, it grows in forests and moist, open places. Its forest sites lie high in the Himalayas.

This tree grows slowly and can reach about 98 feet [30 metres]. It keeps its leaves all year. It can form the top layer of a woodland garden. Each tree has both male and female parts for breeding. Wind carries its pollen. Its seeds ripen from October to November. The supplied species evidence gives no more facts about leaves or bark. It gives no width for a full-grown crown. Nor does it give a flowering season.

Grow it in moist soil that does not stay waterlogged. It accepts sand, loam and clay, even heavy clay. It prefers soil that is a little acid. It will grow in neutral soil too. Plants For A Future reports tolerance down to about pH 5. Young trees cope well with shade, but deep shade slows growth. The tree also grows in sun or part shade. A north-facing slope suits its needs. It cannot cope with polluted air.

Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Late frosts can harm young growth and slow a tree's start. The source reports poor growth in southeastern Britain. Trees there may grow sparse crowns and die before forty. The milder, wetter west of Britain suits growth better. Shade from above helps protect trees in their first years. Keep seedlings in pots through at least their first winter. Plant them out when the risk of late frost ends. Seeds may sprout poorly and take six to eight weeks.

The wood serves for building, roof thatching and fuel. People use dried leaves in blends of incense. The plant yields an essential oil too. In traditional medicine, people use leaf juice for asthma and bronchitis. Reports list oil use for colds, nasal congestion and rheumatism. These are reports of traditional use, not proof of health benefits. Plants For A Future lists no known edible uses. It reports no known hazards, but that does not prove safety. The same source flags no risk of becoming a weed.