Abies concolor (White Fir)

Photographs

My photos:

This photo was taken at Mt Palomar in April.

More photos:

A stand of White Fir.

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Pinaceae

In the garden:

This is a pyramidal, evergreen tree, which is from 50 to 200 feet tall. It has a narrow, spire-like crown and short, stiff branches. Older bark is gray and furrowed. Leaves are bluish-green, from 1 to 2 inches in length, and have a rounded tip. Cones are 3 to 5 inches long, greenish or purplish in color - becoming brown with age - and have rounded scales. Birds are attracted by fir seeds. White fir is generally tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It is not very tolerant of air pollution and therefore seems best suited for suburbs or rural areas. Since it eventually attains great size, it works well in parks or other open public areas. It also works well as a container plant because it is slow-growing.

In the wild:

The native range of white fir extends from the mountainous regions of the Pacific coast to central Colorado, and from central Oregon and southeastern Idaho to northern Mexico. It is common on dry slopes and rocky places, from 3000 to 10,000 feet. At low elevations white fir is an aggressive, tolerant species that appears to have been held in check by frequent natural fires. Extensive fire control efforts have reduced fire frequency, and as a result, white fir is becoming a major stand component in California at elevations and on sites where originally it was minor.

Ethnobotany:

Wood is of second grade quality, being used for packing cases, etc. It is popularly used as a Christmas tree.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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