About
Abies squamata is a coniferous evergreen that can reach heights of up to 40 meters under ideal conditions. This species is noted for its distinctive flaky, papery bark, which bears a resemblance to that of birch trees. The reddish-brown bark begins to develop around the sixth year of the tree’s life. Its shoots are covered in fine hairs, and the new vegetative buds are resinous and a reddish-brown hue. The needles, measuring between 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters in length, are arranged densely and exhibit a blue-green color, featuring two pale stomatal lines on their underside. When young, the seed cones appear dark blue, providing a striking contrast to the lighter foliage in spring.
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
- China, Tibet
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