Species Amabilis fir
lime-green leaves with blue-black cones and brown-green branches

Amabilis fir

Abies amabilis

Also Known As - Pacific silver fir,Amabilis Fir
Amabilis fir (Abies amabilis) is a large evergreen conifer tree native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is an attractive conifer with a tall, cone-shaped crown and dense foliage. Its needles are 5-10 cm long, shiny green above and white-hairy beneath. The bark is grey-brown, and smooth at first, but gradually becomes ridged and furrowed over time. It can grow up to 40 meters tall. Amabilis fir is a valuable timber tree and is also grown commercially for Christmas trees. Its wood is soft, light, and easy to work with.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5

Flowers:

No flowers, Brown, (red, maturing to yellow) Flowers

Sun:

Shade

Soil:

Acidic

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Amabilis fir prefers moist soil and should be watered once a week in the growing season and every 2 weeks in the winter season. The soil should be kept slightly moist but not saturated. It is best to avoid over-watering this species of fir as it could cause root rot. In spring and summer, water the plant deeply once a week, making sure to water the entire root system. When the plant has finished actively growing in autumn, reduce waterings to every 2 weeks and always allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid over-watering Amabilis fir in the winter, as it is dormant and does not need as much water as when actively growing.

sunlight

Amabilis fir, also known as Silver Fir, is an evergreen coniferous tree native to the Pacific Northwest and adjacent areas in western North America. Sunlight requirements for this species vary depending on the environment. In the Pacific Northwest, the species does best in full sun and can tolerate some shade as well. Amabilis firs need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily in order to thrive. In the hotter desert climates of western North America, some shade might be beneficial. Planting in an east- or north-facing slope can reduce sun exposure in these areas.

pruning

The best time to prune Amabilis fir is in late winter, when the plant is still firmly in its dormant state. How much to prune depends on the size and shape of the shrub. Generally, removing no more than 1-third of the foliage is recommended. Pruning too much can damage the plant and cause it to become unsightly. When pruning, make sure to remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches. Also remove any branches that cross, rub, or grow inwards toward the center of the shrub. And cut back any branches that are growing too fast, as this can cause damage to the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Abies amabilis typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Hardiness Map