Noble Fir (Abies nobilis) is an evergreen conifer that forms a large tree with a broadly conical crown and upcurved blue-green needles. It has a very high tolerance of exposure and it is often planted in the uplands. It is one of several north-west American species discovered by the well known plant hunter, David Douglas who sent seeds back to the UK in 1831. The cones are large, deep purple-brown when young and ripen brown and disintegrate to release the winged seeds in fall.
It grows in moist but well-drained slightly acidic soil. It is very closely related to Abies magnifica (red fir), which replaces it farther southeast in southernmost Oregon and California.
Noble Fir is widely grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks, especially in Britain and Ireland. It is also popular as a Christmas tree, because of its attractive foliage and symmetrical shape. It can also be used for timber production, as it has strong and durable wood that is suitable for construction, furniture and pulp. It can be propagated by seed, but it may not produce viable seeds every few years. It is shade-intolerant and spreads with age.
The current height of these fir tree saplings is approximately 10-20cm and they can be planted out all year round.
- Specimen or ornamental tree
- Likes well drained soil
- Native to North America
- Popular Christmas tree
