Pacific Silver Fir (Abies amabilis), Pacific northwest native tree

Abies amabilis (Pacific Silver Fir, White Fir, Red Fir, Lovely Fir, Cascades Fir, Silver Fir)

Kingdom	:	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	:	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	:	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	:	Coniferophyta – Conifers
Class	:	Pinopsida
Order	:	Pinales
Family	:	Pinaceae – Pine family
Genus	:	Abies Mill. – fir
Species	:	Abies amabilis – Abies amabilis (Douglas ex Louden) Douglas ex Forbes Pacific silver fir

Not surprisingly, this rare tree is also known as “Lovely Fir.” The leaves have silver undersides, giving them a soft, feathery appearance.

The bark is similarly silver and develops scales with age.

The cones stand upright and are a deep, royal purple.

Growing along the coast between southern Alaska and northern California at mid to high elevations (USDA zones 7a – 9a), this majestic conifer can be found in shaded, wet forests and does not occur in areas with summer droughts. This species is an excellent choice for watershed plantings.

Reaching 120’ in the wild, it will generally peak at 50’ in the garden, growing about 20” per year.

Many wildlife species use this plant as habitat, and the Northern Spotted owl, Olympic salamander and mountain goat depend on it.

It can serve as a unique and subtle Christmas tree, offering calm amid the holiday din.

Underside of needles

Top side of needles

Bark of Pacific Silver Fir

Photo from Walter Siegmund

For a short comparison of northwest native firs, click here.

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