Abies grandis (Grand Fir)

One of the tallest firs in the world, Abies grandis (Grand Fir) is a large evergreen conifer of narrow, conical habit becoming round-topped or straggly with age. Its spreading and drooping branches are densely clad with sharp-tipped needles, shiny dark green above with two silver bands beneath. The needles are arranged in 2 distinct, flattened rows. They exude an orange aroma when crushed.

One of the tallest firs in the world, Abies grandis (Grand Fir) is a large evergreen conifer of narrow, conical habit becoming round-topped or straggly with age. Its spreading and drooping branches are densely clad with sharp-tipped needles, shiny dark green above with two silver bands beneath. The needles are arranged in 2 distinct, flattened rows. They exude an orange aroma when crushed. Usually very resinous, the seed cones, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), are light-green or purple-tinged when young maturing to reddish-brown. Held upright along the branches, they create a lovely contrast against the deep green foliage. A fast grower, its gray bark is thin when young, thickening and becoming brown with age. Grand Fir makes a useful specimen tree.

  • Grows up to 100-250 ft. high (30-75 m) and 20-35 ft. wide (6-11 m).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in rich, slightly acidic, consistently moist, well-drained soils.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, adelgids, cankers, heart rot, root rot, needle rust and twig blight.
  • No pruning required.
  • Propagate by seed or grafting
  • Native to Southern British Columbia south along Pacific coast to California, also in central Idaho and eastern Oregon.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 6

Heat Zones 5
– 6

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Abies – Firs
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 100'
– 250'
(30m
– 75m)
Spread 20'
– 35'
(6m
– 10.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow