subalpine fir
Abies lasiocarpa

Subalpine fir is the smallest of western 'true firs.' It is a dominant competitor in environments offering cool summers, cold winters, and deep snowpacks. Many species of wildlife use subalpine fir as a food source, including moose and several species of birds and small mammals.

 Click to see more images.
Light Water
Growth   Size
Timber Value

      Subalpine fir is used for building construction, boxes, crates, sashes, doors, and frames.
Wildlife Value
      The relatively large seeds offer birds and small animals an efficient food source. Moose browse the stems and foliage in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
          Attracts: squirrels, deer mice, mountain voles, chipmunks, moose, blue grouse, other birds
Regeneration methods
      Clearcutting, shelterwood, single tree and group selection all work, depending on associated trees. In spruce-fir stands, shelterwood and single tree selection will favor subalpine fir. In stands with other western firs and/or mountain hemlock, clearcutting and group selection will favor subalpine fir.
Important Problems Early Detection tips
spruce budworm deformed growth
balsam woolly adelgid reduced vigor, sparse vegetation
Fun facts
Subalpine fir grows in areas with the highest water yields across the west. Grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park occasionally strip away the bark of subalpine fir and feed on exposed inner tissue.
Abies ancient name - rising or tall tree, name for the European fir. lasiocarpa rough fruit (cones).
Home - Abies lasiocarpa I.D. Fact Sheet - US Forest Silvics - Additional silvics - VT Dendro

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