Grand Fir

Species Name

Grand Fir (Abies Grandis)

Seed Source

Clearwater National Forest, Idaho, USA

Character

Has shown evidence of being the hardiest source. Rich, green colour. Consistent numbers of laterals and growth with less evidence of winterburn than some other sources. Fastest growth of any seed source, and generally slightly slower growth than Balsam or Fraser.

Soil

Tolerant of both dry and somewhat wet sites, more tolerant than most of weed competition. Prefers, but is not restricted to, moist, fairly well-drained loam sites. Can be subject to some winterburn on exposed sites, but this can be minimized with careful choice of seed source. More tolerant on lower slopes and poorer soils than many species.

Growth

Fast grower. Long, flexible, shiny, two-ranked needles. Similar appearance to a more green Concolor Fir. Very straight trunk, strong citrus fragrance

Needle

Excellent

Shade

Good

Aspect

Grows well on all aspects, but slight preference to avoid harsh western or north windy slopes in order to avoid windburn.

Description

Rarely browsed by deer or other predators. The grand fir is identified by massive, dense foliage that often extends near to the ground. Its flat, blunt needles range from one-half to two inches in length. Grand fir seed cones are cylindrical in shape, and range from two to four inches in length. The greenish hue of the grand fir's cones make them easy to distinguish from the white fir's olive-green to purple colored cones. Grand fir trees grow to heights of 100 to 125 feet, with trunk diameters in the 4 to 6 foot range. As a landscaping or a Christmas tree, the Grand Fir benefits from a branch pattern that is exceptionally regular, with a single stem and two lateral shoots produced each year at the tip of the most active branches. This is the most aromatic fir.