Abies magnifica Californian red fir (Pinaceae) Evergreen tree

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Abies magnifica
Californian red fir
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Abies magnifica plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - Oregon to California. It is a member of the Pinaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Californian red fir.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Abies magnifica
Common Name:  Californian red fir
Family:  Pinaceae
Author:  A.Murray.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  60   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Dry slopes and ridges, 1500 - 2700 metres[71]. The best specimens are found in well-drained gravelly-loam soils on northern or eastern exposures with moist cool air[229].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a cool position in a good moist but not water-logged soil[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[81]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[1]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[200]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[1, 200]. A slow-growing and long-lived tree in the wild[229], it is a very ornamental plant[1] but seems to be short-lived in Britain[185]. Growing better in the cooler and rainier parts of Britain, it is at its best in the Perthshire valleys of Scotland, though it will probably also do well in the drier areas of the country if given a sheltered position and a moist soil[11]. The rate of growth in Britain is not exceptional, an increment of 30 cm per annum is about the best recorded[185]. Growth in girth, at least for the first 50 years is more rapid[185]. This species produces prolific crops of seeds from about the age of 25 years. Heavy crops are produced every 2 - 3 years, alternating with years of low seed production[229]. 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]. Trees are susceptible to damage by aphis[1, 11]. The branches are subject to wind breakage[71].

For further Abies magnifica gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

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'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future