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 lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. – subalpine fir

A beautiful, small evergreen tree, with delightful forms, this is the most widespread of the Abies genus.

Found from the Yukon to New Mexico and west to the Pacific coast, this variety favors high elevations, cold climates and moist sites. Hardy USDA zones 2-9.

Trees grow slowly, reaching 80’ at maturity, with a narrow, conical shape and spiky, cathedral-like spires.

The 1½” needles are stiffly upturned and blue gray-green in color.

Perfect for small gardens and mitigation projects, the Sub-Alpine is a natural pioneer in disturbed areas and prevents erosion.

When heavily laden with snow (a common winter occurrence in much of its range) the lowest branches often touch the ground and by spring, will have grown roots!