Mountain Balsam Fir Abies lasiocarpa

Subalpine fir is an evergreen conifer in the pine family (Pinaceae) that is native to the Pacific Northwest. The Rocky Mountain subalpine fir is found in the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains from Alaska and Canade south to Colorado. It is sometimes listed as var. bifolia, but not all biologists recognize it as a separate variation as the differences are small. The Coast Range subalpine fir occurs in the mountains from Alaska south to California.  The genus name is old Latin for tree.

Subalpine fir is a medium to large tree with a narrow crown and short dense drooping branches. It will grow up to 100 feet tall and is fairly short-lived. It is best grown in a moist, cool climate as in the high altitude of the Pacific mountains. Subalpine fir will grow in full sun but is also shade-tolerant. It tends to lose its natural shape if grown in lower altitudes.

The needles are blue-green to grey-green with stomal lines on both surfaces. The cones are purple to brown, barrel-shaped and held upright.

The wood is soft and generally not used for building. Its best use is for its contributions to watershed function, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: See the fact sheet for potential insect problems to the left