Abies concolor
Common name: 
White Fir
Colorado Fir
Pronunciation: 
AY-beez KON-kul-er
Family: 
Pinaceae
Genus: 
Abies
Type: 
Conifer
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
Yes
  • Conifer, evergreen, 30-50 ft (9-15 m) high, conical and branched to base, upper branches tend to point upward whereas lower branches are horizontal or directed down.  Leaves (needles) curve outwards and upwards on branches, 4-6 cm long and 2 mm wide, flattened, light green to green to bluish, glaucous (wax) on both sides and more or less giving a bluish cast (concolor: uniform color, refers to both needle surfaces); in heavy shade, needles may show a "flatter" distribution.  Cones erect, stalked, 8-13 cm long, pale green with a purplish bloom, finally brown.
  • Sun.  Best in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soil, poor on heavy clay. Withstands heat, drought, and cold.  A good fir for the east and Midwest.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 3       Native to Colorado, southern Oregon to southern California and Mexico.   Note: recent evidence indicates that the apparent Abies concolor found in Oregon forests are actually a hybrid between Abies concolor and Abies grandis, Grand Fir, and are now designated as Abies concolor × grandis.
  • The available cultivars include:
    • 'Blue Cloak'  -  medium sized needles and powder blue color
    • 'Candicans'  -  popular clone, has large, bright silver-blue needles
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit

    plant habit

  • branches

    branches

  • branchlet, needles

    branchlet, needles

  • needles

    needles

  • branch with cone

    branch with cone

  • cones at seed drop

    cones at seed drop

  • trunk, bark

    trunk, bark