white fir
Abies concolor

White fir is a potentially large western conifer capable of tolerating less than ideal growing environments. It can be found in both semi-arid, hot, low elevation sites, as well as cool and moist high elevation sites.

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Light Water
Growth   Size
Timber Value

      White fir is used for all-purpose construction grade wood, plywood, poles, piling, crates, boxes, pulp, and Christmas trees.
Wildlife Value
      Small mammals and birds eat white fir seeds. Mule deer eat new growth in spring. Blue grouse also eat the needles. Porcupines eat the bark.
          Attracts: mice, squirrels, chipmunks, porcupines, pocket gophers, grouse, chickadees,
Regeneration methods
      White fir is shade tolerant and can be regenerated by seed-tree and shelterwood methods.
Important Problems Early Detection tips
fir engraver beetle signs of stress and lost vigor
Fun facts
Some taxonomists separate white fir into two distinct species; A. lowiana of California and A. concolor of Oregon and the Rocky Mountains. White fir is the most site tolerant fir, and is planted ornamentally.
Abies ancient name - rising or tall tree, name for the European fir. concolor one color (both needle surfaces).
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2004 Virginia Tech Forestry Department, all rights reserved. Text, images, and programming by: Dr. Jeff Kirwan, Dr. John R. Seiler, John A. Peterson, Edward C. Jensen, Guy Phillips, or Andrew S. Meeks.

questions, comments, and criticisms: email John.Peterson@vt.edu