Abies grandis Grand fir (Pinaceae) Evergreen tree

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Abies grandis
Grand fir
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Abies grandis plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to California, east to Montana and Idaho. It is a member of the Pinaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Grand fir. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. excelsior.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Abies grandis
Common Name:  Grand fir
Family:  Pinaceae
Author:  (Douglas. ex D.Don.)Lindl.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  75   Mature Width:  8

Habitat:  Found in a variety of soils, but the best specimens are growing in deep rich alluvial soils[229] It ranges from the coast to inland elevations of about 2000 metres if growing by streams[60, 82].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and succeeds in poor sandy soils[185]. Very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[81]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[1]. Trees succeeds in very exposed positions, even if the top is blown out by the wind the trees make one or more new tops and continue growing with no loss of vigour[11, 185]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[200]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[200]. This species thrives exceedingly well in the moister parts of Britain, where it grows very quickly[11]. It is cultivated for timber in W. and N. Europe[50]. Trees are slow growing for the first few years but they are then quite fast with trees growing 60 - 100cm in height and 8cm in girth per year even when they are quite large[1, 185]. New growth takes place from early May to July[185]. Trees grow best in the Perthshire valleys of Scotland and in the far west of Britain[11]. Some trees have reached heights in excess of 60 metres in 100 years in Wales and Scotland, making them amongst the tallest trees in Europe[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is rarely harmed by disease, insects or frost[1]. The crushed leaves have a fruity orange-flavoured aroma[185]. Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm in height. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[200]. Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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