Abies: Fir Tree
Elegant, evergreen, and able to thrive in the Pacific Northwest, fir trees bring year-round beauty to the landscape–and with so many options to choose from, you’ll be able to find something suitable for both large and small gardens alike.
Plant care & info
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Abies comefrom the Latin word abire (“to rise”) and refers to the great height that many firs attain.
Common Name: Fir
50 or so species originating from Europe, northern Africa, Asia, and America.
Leaves/needles are usually flat and soft with the exception of Spanish Fir. Female cones stand upright along branches.
Habit is pyramidal and symmetrical in the species plants, but can vary to round, pendulous, and contorted in cultivated varieties. Firs grow relatively slowly, and even slower in urban environments.
Generally, firs require high humidity, low temperatures, and moist, acidic, well-drained soil.
Culture requirements will vary with species. For example, Abies lasiocarpa, our native Sub-alpine Fir, needs very fast draining soil in order to thrive. Abies grandis, our native Grand Fir, adapts easily to a variety of soil types.
Planting is best accomplished from mid-autumn to spring, giving roots time to become established during cooler parts of the year.
Typically, firs prefer full sun, but light shade is acceptable. Tolerance to cold temperatures varies, but all of the firs listed below are hardy in Portland.
For the most part, insects seem to avoid firs, but fungal problems are fairly common—most often in the form of root-rot. Roots need to be allowed air circulation, so adding compost when planting can help.
If the tree requires exceptional drainage, consider blending pumice with the compost, or choosing a tree that will be happy growing in a container.
