Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

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 concolor  – Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr. white fir

This sweet-smelling coniferous tree is found at high elevations (2,000’ to 10,000’) in the Pacific Northwest, south to Baja, California and throughout the states of Utah, Wyoming, Nevada and Idaho (USDA zones 5a – 10a).

It is most commonly found in Oregon and California, where it can reach heights of 75 – 120.’ This tree is an exceptional ornamental in the home garden, where it is prized for its bluish-silver, almost white, needles.

It is an excellent soil stabilizer and valuable for disturbed sites.

While it can tolerate shade, it far prefers full sun. Being a slow growing species, it is best to select a sunny spot and protect young trees from deer or rodent browsing that might slow growth.

White fir is very hardy and can tolerate heat and drought. It cannot, however, tolerate pollution and all forms of pest-, herb-, and fungicide should be avoided.