White Fir
Abies concolor
A handsome western native fir with soft, blue-green to silvery, upward-curving needles and good heat and drought tolerance for a fir, making it the best fir for many landscapes and a popular Christmas tree. Long-lived in the mountains; in cultivation it prefers well-drained soil and resents wet feet.
Field reference
Family
Pinaceae
Growth rate
Slow
Mature size
40–70 ft tall, 20–30 ft spread
Hardiness zone
3–7
Soil preference
Moist, well-drained soils; the most adaptable native fir for landscapes
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Pruning window
Late dormant season; little pruning needed
Wood properties
Light, soft, low-density fir wood (~0.37 SG) sold as white woods / SPF. Flexible branches; primarily ornamental and Christmas-tree use rather than a rigging concern.
Native range
Mountains of the western United States, from Oregon and Colorado south into Mexico
Green weight
46 lb/ft³
Pests & diseases to watch
Common questions
Is white fir a good landscape and Christmas tree?
Yes — it is the most adaptable native fir for landscapes, tolerating heat and drought better than most, with soft blue-green needles and an attractive symmetrical form. Those same traits make it a favored Christmas tree.
Why are my white fir's needles blue?
A waxy coating (bloom) on the needles gives many white firs a blue-silver cast, similar to blue spruce. The color is natural and varies by seed source and selected cultivar.
Related species in Pinaceae
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