The grand fir was first described by Scottish botanical explorer David Douglas, who in 1831 collected specimens of the tree along the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Abies grandis is a large evergreen coniferous tree growing to 40 to 70 m (exceptionally 100 m) tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 2 m.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Abies amabilis, commonly known as the Pacific silver fir, is a fir native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, occurring in the Pacific Coast Ranges and the Cascade Range. It is also commonly referred to in English as the white fir, red fir, lovely fir, amabilis fir, Cascades fir, or silver fir. The species name is Latin for ‘lovely’.
The tree is a large evergreen conifer growing to 30–45 metres (98–148 feet), exceptionally 72 m (236 ft) tall, and with a trunk diameter of up to 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in), exceptionally 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in). The bark on younger trees is light grey, thin and covered with resin blisters. On older trees, it darkens and develops scales and furrows. The leaves are needle-like, flattened, 2–4.5 centimetres (3⁄4–1+3⁄4 in) long and 2 millimetres (1⁄16 in) wide by 0.5 mm (1⁄32 in) thick, matte dark green above, and with two white bands of stomata below, and slightly notched at the tip. The leaf arrangement is spiral on the shoot, but with each leaf variably twisted at the base so they lie flat to either side of and above the shoot, with none below the shoot. The shoots are orange-red with dense velvety pubescence. The cones are 9–17 cm (3+1⁄2–6+3⁄4 in) long and 4–6 cm (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄4 in) broad, dark purple before maturity; the scale bracts are short, and hidden in the closed cone. The winged seeds are released when the cones disintegrate at maturity about 6–7 months after pollination.
The tree can live to over 400 years old.
Pacific silver fir is very closely related to Maries’ fir A. mariesii from Japan, which is distinguished by its slightly shorter leaves—1.5–2.5 cm (5⁄8–1 in)—and smaller cones, which are 5–11 cm (2–4+1⁄4 in) long.
It is always found in temperate rainforests with relatively high precipitation and cool, humid summers. Growing in dense stands, it prospers in shade and snow. Common associate trees are western hemlock in northern ranges, Douglas-fir in central areas, and California buckeye in the extreme southern area of its range. Western hemlock is equally shade tolerant, but Pacific silver fir saplings are more resilient of ground obstacles.
Though its thin bark makes it susceptible to fire, the slow-growing saplings succeed less shade-tolerant species. It survives well at high elevation, but eventually succumbs to root or heart rot, in addition to diseases and insects such as Adelges piceae.
II. How to Grow and Care
Pacific silver fir requires a cool, moist climate and well-drained soil to thrive, mimicking its native habitat in the Pacific Northwest. Special care should be given to ensure adequate water during dry spells, particularly when young. It is vital to protect pacific silver fir from wind and to apply mulch to conserve soil moisture. Proper spacing to accommodate its mature size will prevent overcrowding and promote good air circulation.
Sunlight
The pacific silver fir does well in many different light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, although a minimum of four hours of sunlight a day is preferable. This tree enjoys direct sunlight unless temperatures are too high – this is because the pacific silver fir prefers a cooler climate.
Ideally, avoid placing your pacific silver fir in full shade because this could affect its rate of growth. Mature trees will cope with full shade a little better, and there are some variants that prefer this environment, but this is usually not recommended for optimal growth.
Temperature
Native to North and Central America, Europe and Asia, the pacific silver fir prefers summer temperatures to be between 18 ℃ and 21 ℃. If temperatures rise and stay above 27 ℃ for too long, the tree will suffer. Conversely, if the temperature drops below -20 ℃ for an extended period in the winter, the tree may struggle to survive. The pacific silver fir is best suited to mountain regions where it mostly grows in the wild, meaning that it can be a challenging tree to keep healthy in the Southern Hemisphere, unless it is at a high elevation.
Watering
Native to the moist, temperate regions of the Pacific Northwest, pacific silver fir thrives in environments with consistent moisture. This species is adapted to a habitat where water is readily available, exhibiting a preference for well-hydrated soil but with adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Watering should be moderated to once every 1-2 weeks, aligning with its natural rhythm of precipitation and ensuring a balance between moisture retention and root health. Typically found outdoors due to its size and growth habit, pacific silver fir benefits from mulching which helps retain soil moisture during its active growing season.
Soil
The optimum soil for your pacific silver fir would be a sand or loam soil that is well-draining, with a pH value of 6-6.5 (so slightly acidic). While the soil should stay moist and not dry out for long periods, try to avoid clay soil – this compacts easily and does not drain well, resulting in your pacific silver fir becoming waterlogged.
Fertilizing
For pacific silver fir, apply balanced nutrition fertilizers annually in early spring, using a slow-release formula suited for conifers. This regime encourages robust growth and health. The dose should comply with package directions, tailored for pacific silver fir’s size and age. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots and disrupt soil ecology. Adjust feeding if growth stages or seasonal changes dictate; juveniles may benefit from more frequent, lighter feeding. Always water pacific silver fir deeply post-application to distribute nutrients and safeguard roots.
Planting Instructions
Depending on the variety, the pacific silver fir can reach up to 100 m in height, with its foliage extending to around 10 m. The trunk can grow to a diameter of 4 m, so it is essential to give your trees enough space when planting – keep them about 20 m apart.
Plant your pacific silver fir in late fall or winter, once the tree is dormant. Choose a day when the ground is not too waterlogged or frozen and plant in an area that is sheltered from the wind, with fertile, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole that is slightly wider than the root ball and just deep enough to cover the roots, before filling the hole with soil and watering generously. If there is a risk of high winds, you may wish to stake your pacific silver fir to reduce the risk of the tree getting blown over. Finally, spread a 8 cm thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree, around a 51 cm radius, to promote healthy growth. Leave a small gap of 8 to 13 cm around the trunk to allow for some water to evaporate.
Keep the soil quite moist for the first few weeks after planting to help your pacific silver fir become established.
Pruning
The pacific silver fir is a very low maintenance tree and requires little pruning. Other than for aesthetic purposes, the primary need for pruning is to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just as the tree comes out of its dormant state – this can encourage new growth.
When pruning, focus on removing branches that are growing at a strange angle and rubbing against other branches, as this friction can become an entry point for disease. This is best done in a period of dry weather, but if this isn’t going to be possible for a while, it is best to deal with the problem a little sooner, regardless of the weather. Once you have removed problem branches, burn them instead of placing in a compost bin, as this can spread potential diseases.
Propagation
Pacific silver fir, a majestic evergreen conifer, thrives in cool climatic conditions and is distinguished by its symmetrical shape and lush, fragrant foliage. Propagation is typically achieved through cuttings, which involves selecting healthy, semi-hardwood segments. It’s crucial to maintain a high humidity environment for these cuttings to encourage root development. Utilize rooting hormone to enhance success rates, and place in a well-draining, sterile medium to prevent fungal diseases. Careful monitoring and consistent but moderate watering will support the growth of robust young plants.
Transplanting
To establish a thriving pacific silver fir, the prime transplant season is nestled between late spring and midsummer, benefiting from moderate temperatures and root growth. Choose locations that mimic their native cool, moist forest settings for optimal acclimation.
III. Uses and Benefits
ndigenous Nations, including but not limited to the Nuxalk, Haisla, and Kitasoo Nations, used Abies amabilis or Silver Fir for medicinal purposes. Ethnobotanist Daniel Moerman notes, for example, that Nuxalk Peoples mixed mountain goat tallow with liquid pitch to treat sore throat. An infusion of bark, by contrast, may have been used to address stomach issues.
In addition to medicinal uses, hardened pitch of the plant was also sometimes chewed for pleasure by the Ditidaht Peoples. The foliage has an attractive scent and was admired for its scent long before the arrival of European settlers in its native range. Ditidaht Peoples brought boughs into their homes as an air freshener, whereas Nlakaʼpamux Peoples boiled boughs to create unique plant-based hair perfumes.
The wood is soft and not very strong; settlers thus tended to use this species for paper making, packing crates, and other cheap construction work. The lumber is often paired with that of western hemlock.
Seeds were not brought to England for cultivation until the 19th century. David Douglas first transported seed abroad in 1825. Today, Abies amabilis or Silver Fir is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree in large parks, though its requirement for cool, humid summers limits the areas where it grows well; successful growth away from its native range is restricted to areas like western Scotland and southern New Zealand. Silver Fir is sometimes used for Christmas decoration, including Christmas trees..
