About
Abies lasiocarpa is a tall, evergreen conifer characterized by its slender, conical shape. Under ideal growing conditions, it can attain heights of up to 20 meters. The bark of younger specimens is smooth and gray in appearance. Its needle-like foliage is flat and dark green on the upper surface, featuring two distinct silvery-white lines beneath. The needles can reach lengths of up to 3 centimeters, arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches, with a twist at the base. The seed cones, which can grow to about 12 centimeters in length, start off dark purple, nearing black, with fine, yellow-brown hairy scales. As they mature, these cones turn brown.
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
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- N America
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