About
Abies recurvata is a substantial evergreen conifer characterized by its pyramidal shape, reaching heights exceeding 20 meters. The tree features dense, needle-like leaves that start as pale green and transition to a deeper green as they mature. The needles, measuring 1.5 to 2 centimeters in length, are stiff and pointed, with their tips curving upward. The upper surfaces of the needles are glossy green, while the underside displays two distinct stomatal lines. Young shoots appear pale gray. In the spring, small purple seed cones appear on mature specimens, eventually ripening to a purple-brown hue.
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
- SE Tibet to C China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in cooler climates. Fast growing in optimal conditions, this Fir is reasonably drought-tolerant. 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