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Grand Fir

Abies grandis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Pinales
Family:
Pinaceae (Pine)
Also in this family:
Atlas Cedar, Austrian Pine, Cedar-of-Lebanon, Corsican Pine, Deodar, Douglas Fir, European Larch, Japanese Larch, Maritime Pine, Norway Spruce, Scot's Pine, Silver Fir, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, Weymouth Pine
Type:
Evergreen tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
100 metres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, parks, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, no petals
 
Yellowish-green, small and insignificant. Wind pollinated.
Fruit:
Upright cones, up to 12cm long and 4.5cm wide. The seeds ripen from September to October.
Leaves:
Flattened, green needles, up to 2 inches (5cm) long. The needles each have 2 white bands beneath. They can be notched or rounded at the tip.
Aroma:
The resinous buds are grapefruit-scented. The flowers are also scented.
Other Names:
Giant Fir, Great Silver Fir, Lowland White Fir, Oregon Fir, Vancouver Fir, Western White Fir.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Silver Fir
Silver Fir

Other Information

Summary

Abies grandis, also known as Grand Fir, is a species of coniferous tree that is native to western North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada. It is a large tree that can grow to over 300 feet in height and six feet in diameter. The bark of the Grand Fir is a dark gray color, and it is smooth on young trees, becoming furrowed and scaly with age. The needles of the tree are about one to one and a half inches long and are arranged in two rows on the branches. The cones of the tree are about three to six inches long, and are a purple-brown color when mature.

Grand Fir is an important tree species for timber production, as well as for ornamental and Christmas tree use. The species is also known to be an important food source for many different animals, including birds and deer. The tree can grow on many soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils and cool, moist climates. It is well known for its tolerance to shade and grows well in the understory of mature forest.

Grand Fir is also a species that has been widely cultivated in many parts of the world, mainly Europe and Asia, for ornamental and Christmas tree use, and also for reforestation purposes. The species is highly valued for its fast growth, attractive symmetry and it's beautiful foliage. The wood of Abies grandis is also used for construction, paper production and other industrial uses. The resin obtained from the tree is also used in varnishes, soaps, and perfumes.

Blog

The Grand Fir tree, scientifically known as Abies grandis, is a majestic coniferous tree that is native to the western regions of North America, ranging from British Columbia to California. It is one of the largest firs in North America and can grow up to a height of 330 feet (100 meters) with a trunk diameter of 6 feet (1.8 meters) at the base. In this blog, we will explore the features and characteristics of the Grand Fir tree.

Physical Characteristics

The Grand Fir tree has a conical shape with a straight trunk that extends upwards, covered in a thin layer of bark. The bark of the Grand Fir tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color with a slight resinous scent. The needles of the Grand Fir tree are flat, glossy, and about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long, and are arranged in a spiral pattern along the branch. These needles are bluish-green in color, and when crushed, they emit a sweet, citrus-like fragrance.

The cones of the Grand Fir tree are unique and are a distinguishing feature of this tree. They grow upright on the branches, are cylindrical in shape, and can grow up to a length of 12 inches (30 cm) and a width of 4 inches (10 cm). The cones are green when young, and as they mature, they turn brown and release the winged seeds.

Habitat

The Grand Fir tree is typically found in moist and cool regions such as forests, mountain slopes, and river valleys. It thrives in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils, and can grow in elevations ranging from sea level to over 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). The Grand Fir tree is well adapted to cold temperatures and is resistant to snow and frost.

Ecological Role

The Grand Fir tree plays an essential ecological role in its native environment. It provides habitat and shelter for many wildlife species, including birds, squirrels, and small mammals. The Grand Fir tree is also important for the timber industry, and its wood is used in the production of paper, lumber, and other wood products. Additionally, the Grand Fir tree has a unique symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which helps to improve soil fertility and nutrient uptake.

Cultural Significance

The Grand Fir tree has cultural significance for many indigenous communities in North America. The tree is used in traditional medicine and is believed to have healing properties. Additionally, the Grand Fir tree has been used for various practical purposes, such as making baskets, clothing, and shelter. The tree is also a popular choice for Christmas trees and is known for its beautiful fragrance and symmetrical shape.

Additional Facts

Here are some additional facts and information about the Grand Fir tree:

  • The Grand Fir tree is one of the fastest-growing fir trees and can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) per year under ideal conditions.

  • The Grand Fir tree is sometimes referred to as "White Fir," "Yellow Fir," or "Lowland Fir."

  • The Grand Fir tree is an important source of food for wildlife. The cones are eaten by a variety of animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, and birds, while the needles are consumed by deer and elk.

  • The Grand Fir tree is commonly used in reforestation efforts due to its adaptability and fast growth.

  • The wood of the Grand Fir tree is soft and light, making it suitable for use in construction, as well as for making boxes, crates, and paper.

  • The Grand Fir tree is known for its pleasant fragrance, and the needles are sometimes used in potpourri and other scented products.

  • The Grand Fir tree is closely related to the White Fir (Abies concolor) and the Noble Fir (Abies procera).

  • The Grand Fir tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including bark beetles, aphids, and root rot.

  • The Grand Fir tree has been used for centuries by indigenous communities for its medicinal properties. The bark and needles were used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, coughs, and fever.

Overall, the Grand Fir tree is an important and impressive tree with a wide range of uses and cultural significance. Its adaptability and fast growth make it a valuable resource for the timber industry and reforestation efforts, while its ecological and cultural importance make it a beloved tree for many people.

More Information

The Grand Fir tree, also known by its scientific name Abies grandis, is a tall, coniferous tree that is native to the western regions of North America, ranging from British Columbia to California. It is one of the largest firs in North America, growing up to a height of 330 feet (100 meters) with a trunk diameter of 6 feet (1.8 meters) at the base.

The Grand Fir tree has a conical shape with a straight trunk, covered in a thin layer of bark that is smooth and grayish-brown in color, emitting a slight resinous scent. The needles of the Grand Fir tree are flat, glossy, and bluish-green in color, arranged in a spiral pattern along the branch. The needles are about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long, and when crushed, they emit a sweet, citrus-like fragrance.

The cones of the Grand Fir tree are a unique and distinguishing feature of this tree. They grow upright on the branches, are cylindrical in shape, and can grow up to a length of 12 inches (30 cm) and a width of 4 inches (10 cm). The cones are green when young and turn brown as they mature, releasing the winged seeds.

The Grand Fir tree typically grows in moist and cool regions, such as forests, mountain slopes, and river valleys. It thrives in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils and can grow in elevations ranging from sea level to over 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). The Grand Fir tree is well adapted to cold temperatures and is resistant to snow and frost.

The Grand Fir tree plays an essential ecological role in its native environment. It provides habitat and shelter for many wildlife species, including birds, squirrels, and small mammals. The Grand Fir tree is also important for the timber industry, and its wood is used in the production of paper, lumber, and other wood products. Additionally, the Grand Fir tree has a unique symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which helps to improve soil fertility and nutrient uptake.

The Grand Fir tree has cultural significance for many indigenous communities in North America. The tree is used in traditional medicine and is believed to have healing properties. Additionally, the Grand Fir tree has been used for various practical purposes, such as making baskets, clothing, and shelter. The tree is also a popular choice for Christmas trees and is known for its beautiful fragrance and symmetrical shape.

In conclusion, the Grand Fir tree is a magnificent and important tree with physical characteristics, unique cones, and adaptability to a wide range of environments, making it beloved by many people. Its ecological and cultural significance make it a reminder of the need to protect and conserve our natural resources for future generations.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map