Abies procera Noble fir (Pinaceae) Evergreen tree

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Abies procera
Noble fir
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Abies procera plant species is found in Western N. America - Washington to N. California. Self-sows in Britain - in Scotland[11]. It is a member of the Pinaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Noble fir. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. nobilis. Pinus nobilis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Abies procera
Common Name:  Noble fir
Family:  Pinaceae
Author:  Rehd.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  60   Mature Width:  5

Habitat:  Deep forests at elevations between 600 - 1500 metres[60]. The best specimens are found in deep rich soils with a short cool growing season and abundant annual precipitation, mainly as snow[229].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[1]. Succeeds in cold exposed positions and in poor mountain peats[11]. Succeeds in poor thin soils so long as sufficient moisture is present[229]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant, especially when young, but they grow more slowly in dense shade[81]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[1]. Prefers slightly acid conditions with a pH down to about 5[200]. Grows well on a north-facing slope[200]. A long-lived tree in the wild, with specimens more than 600 years old recorded[229]. It is a very ornamental tree[1], but is very susceptible to damage by aphis in some areas of the country[1, 11]. Planted for timber in W. and N. Europe[50], in Britain it grows best in wetter parts of the country such as the Perthshire valleys of Scotland[11]. Trees do not grow well in the drier areas of Britain[81]. In a suitable site it can make new growth of 1 metre a year until it is 25 metres tall when growth slows[185]. Exposure seems to severely limit growth in height in southern and eastern regions but less so in areas of high rainfall such as N. Wales and Argyll[185]. New growth takes place from early June to August[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]. Trees are sometimes used as 'Christmas trees'[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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