Abies alba (European Silver Fir)

Abies alba (European Silver Fir) is a large evergreen conifer of conical habit with straight stems densely clad with glossy dark green needles with silvery undersides. The seed cones, 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), are greenish when young turning to dark brown when mature. The bark is silvery-gray with a scaly texture. Growth is very slow in early years, and then rapid as the tree matures. Long-lived (up to 500-600 years), it is among the tallest tree species of the genus Abies in Europe. Silver Fir was a popular Christmas tree in Europe, but it has been largely replaced by Nordmann Fir.

• Grows up to 50-80 ft. high (15-24 m) and 15-25 ft. wide (4-8 m).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils.
• No pruning required.
• Silver fir is particularly susceptible to frost desiccation due to late spring frosts. It is also sensitive to fire, insects, fungi and pollution.
• Native to the mountainous regions of eastern, western, southern and central Europe.