About

Abies durangensis is a tall, evergreen conifer that typically reaches heights of 30 to 40 meters. In its early years, it features a narrowly pyramidal shape, which gradually evolves into a more rounded canopy as it matures. The bark of young specimens is smooth and reddish-brown, transitioning to a grey hue over time. On older trees, the bark develops into oblong plates, displaying dark brown to grey tones. The new buds are oblong and measure between 4 to 5 mm, often coated in a resinous layer. The needles are relatively long, ranging from 1.4 to 4.5 cm, and have a rounded tip. Their upper surfaces are pale blue-green, while the undersides reveal two dull bands of stomata, arranged in two or more ranks along the sides of the shoot. The seed cones are cylindrical, initially pale yellow-green, and mature to a brown color.

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
H6

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
Mexico

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