Description


Abies Lasiocarpa is the smallest of the eight true indigenous firs in the western United States. It usually grows between 45-100 feet tall and has a trunk around 1-2 feet in diameter. It is topped by a very narrow conical crown.

Abies Lasiocarpa needles are 1-1.5 inches long, blue-green in color and have a single white band on top and two on the bottom. They have rows of stomata on both sides of the needles which are bent perpendicular to point upward.

The seeds are deep purple and grow upright at the top of the cone. The cones are dark purple and grow to 2-4 inches in length.

The bark is smooth, gray and has resin blisters when the tree is young. As the tree ages the bark breaks into large scales.

Habitat


Abies Lasiocarpa is found in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Nevada.

It is typically found at elevations between 1000-3000 in the northern range and between 7800-12000 feet in the southern range. It usually grows at or just below the tree line and is rarely near the coast.

Climate



Abies Lasiocarpa grows in cool, wet environments.

It will tolerate a huge temperature range; between -50º F in the winter and 90º F in the summer. Most of the annual precipitation it receives is in the form of snow.

Uses



Abies Lasiocarpa provides habitat for many animals. Its wood is used in construction, various wood products, and paper.


It is a popular choice for christmas trees and is commonly used in landscaping.