Abies procera

Common Names

Noble Fir, Red Fir, White Fir, Fir

Summary

Noble Fir is a tall evergreen native to the Cascade and Coast Ranges of the Pacific Northwest, with a symmetrical pyramidal to narrow crown and upswept branches. It bears blue-green needles, 1–3.5 cm long, spirally arranged with a groove and pale stripes, and upright cones with purple scales; young bark is gray and smooth with resin blisters, maturing to red-brown and deeply fissured, and foliage has a distinctive fragrance when brushed.

It grows best in full sun to partial shade on moist, well-drained soils, tolerates rocky sites with adequate moisture, and prefers cool, humid mountain climates; it is hardy in zones 5a–6b and dislikes high winds. Propagation is by seed, with stratification improving germination; uses include Christmas tree, ornamental in large landscapes, and timber-valued wood noted for strength and lightness, historically used for lumber, ladders, and airplane construction.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

80-230 ft

Spread

20-30 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-6

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; partial sun and partial shade are acceptable.

Soil Type

Well-drained, moist, acidic to slightly acidic loamy soil rich in organic matter.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist soil.

Soil pH

4.5-7

Bloom Color

Bluish white, White, Green

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators