White Fir
Scientific Name: Abies concolor
Common Names: Colorado Fir, Concolor Fir
Family: Pinaceae
Native Range: western United States; commonly planted in Canada
Typical: very large evergreen tree
Maximum recorded heights:
Trunk Diameter
Average:
Maximum:
Growth Rate: (Slow Medium Fast): fast
Lifespan:
Typical Lifespan:
Record Age:
Seed Maturity (age at which it starts producing viable seeds):
Reproductive Cycle (how often it produces seeds..e.g., every 2‑3 years):
Soil Preferences (preferred soil type..e.g., sandy loam, well‑drained):
Water Needs (moisture requirements..e.g., drought tolerance): moderate; tolerant of drought once established
Canadian & USDA Hardiness Zones: CA4; USDA ~3–7
Bark:
Young trees: smooth, olive‑greenish
Mature Trees: rough, light gray
Needles (or Leaves)
Number per bundle:
Length: 40–70 mm
Shape: blunt to somewhat pointed; side needles sickle-shaped, curved upward; upper needles pointed forward
Colour: intensely whitish-green with dense lines of white dots on both surfaces
Cones:
Size: 7–12 cm long
Shape: cylindrical
Scales: ~25 mm wide; bracts shorter than scales, with small point
Color: green or purple when immature, brown when mature
Seeds:
Size:
Dispersal: wind
Growth Form
Shape: upright, pyramidal
Height:
Reproductive Features
Flowers: monoecious; male and female cones on same tree
Male: pollen cones yellowish
Female: seed cones cylindrical
Pollination: wind
Seed Maturity:
Unique Features: needles with white stomatal lines giving silvery appearance; orange scent when crushed; hybridizes with grand fir
Fire Resistance: Rating (low, medium, high): medium
Fire Regeneration: Ability to regenerate post‑fire: moderate
Shade Tolerance: How well it grows in shaded conditions: tolerant
Strength Rating: (Wood durability and load‑bearing properties): moderately strong, used for construction and furniture
Decay Resistance: How resistant the wood is to rot and fungi: moderate
Pest/Disease Resistance: vulnerability to fir beetles, root rot
Climate Adaptability: able to withstand cold winters and dry conditions
Uses:
Timber (construction, furniture, etc): building material, plywood, pulp
Non-timber products (e.g., resin, wildlife habitats): ornamental planting, wildlife shelter
Ecological Role:
Importance for wildlife (e.g., food for squirrels, birds): seeds and shelter for birds and small mammals
Role in forest ecosystems (e.g., stabilizing soil, providing canopy): dominant canopy species in montane forests
Cultural Significance:
Historical Use: ornamental planting; native uses limited
Threats: (Current conservation concerns or invasive threats): fire suppression can alter habitat; pests
Governmental Sources
Canada – Species profiles / plant fact sheets (Canada.ca / Species at Risk / Forest Service profile pages)
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Tree species profiles
USDA Forest Service – Silvics of North America