About

Abies amabilis is a tall, conical evergreen conifer that can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters. The young shoots feature a fine layer of pale hairs and small, rounded buds filled with resin. Its needles, measuring 2 to 3 centimeters, grow densely along the upper sides of the shoots, arranged in two forward-facing rows that envelop the branchlets. The female cones appear purple when new, maturing to a brown hue, and measure between 9 and 15 centimeters in length, with an ovoid to cylindrical shape and concealed bracts.

About the genus

Abies are evergreen coniferous trees that can reach significant heights. They feature whorled branches that support narrow, flattened leaves, typically having a whitish underside. The upper branches produce substantial cones that disintegrate while still attached to the tree.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers, Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens
Native to
S Alaska to W Oregon

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in cooler climates. See conifer cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus