Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Abies concolor - White Fir

The white fir is a densely pyramidal evergreen tree 35-50' tall. Branches usually held to the ground. Bluish color usually in cultivation. One of the more heat tolerant firs and the most commonly true fir planted here. Generally quite full in cultivation but can also be seen rather open. Native of California.



Leaves are needle like, 1.5-2" long, all one color (bluish) and are curving upward and outward from the stem. Longer than most firs.


Stems are yellowish green and smooth. Look for the round leaf scars to be sure you are looking at a true fir. Buds are covered in resin as well.

Cones are green at maturity. Held upright, 3-5", falling apart on the tree. Generally very high up in the tree and you will not find them laying on the ground unless the squirrels are having fun. They like to drop them when mature and collect them for winter.



This is a shot of the young immature female cone.




Misidentification:
other firs for sure. But not the Spanish fir.

Locations:
Aptos
409 Bernal (nice one to see close up)

Capitola
516 Bay St
606 El Salto Ave