Overview
A large, long-lived evergreen conifer in the family Pinaceae, native to the Pacific Coast mountains from southeastern Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon to the northern California Cascades, at elevations of 1,000–5,500 feet (300–1,680 m) in cool, moist montane and subalpine forests. The specific epithet amabilis means 'lovely.' Trees develop a narrowly pyramidal to columnar crown 100–150 feet (30–45 m) tall and 20–30 feet (6–9 m) wide on a straight trunk 3–6 feet (90–180 cm) in diameter, with densely tiered horizontal branches. Young bark is smooth, gray, and resin-blistered; mature bark reddish-brown and furrowed. The needles are flat, soft, 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long with rounded or notched tips, dark glossy green above and with two conspicuous silvery-white stomatal bands beneath — creating the characteristic shimmer that gives this tree its common name. Upright, cylindrical cones 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) long are purple-violet when young, disintegrating on the tree at maturity. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Native to the Pacific Coast mountain ranges from southeastern Alaska south through coastal British Columbia, the Washington and Oregon Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, and the northern California Cascades, growing at elevations of 1,000–5,500 feet (300–1,680 m) in cool, moist conifer forests with 60–120 inches (150–300 cm) of annual precipitation.Suggested Uses
Best suited as a forest restoration tree, large-scale landscape specimen, or naturalistic woodland planting on cool, moist sites with ample space (100–150 feet at maturity). Appropriate for large properties, parks, campuses, and montane gardens in the Pacific Northwest. Not suitable for small lots, urban heat islands, or gardens east of the Cascades without consistent irrigation. Provides nesting and foraging habitat for varied thrush, Clark's nutcracker, and many other Pacific Northwest bird species.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height100' - 150'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 50 years
Bloom Information
Pollen released from male strobili in May–June. Female cones develop over summer and ripen by late September, disintegrating on the branch over fall and winter to release winged seeds. Upright purple-violet cones on upper branches are ornamental in summer on young trees.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark glossy green above; two conspicuous silvery-white stomatal bands beneath — the intense silver sheen on needle undersides is the defining identification featureGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist, humus-rich, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0–6.5. Requires consistent moisture during the first 5–10 years of establishment — water deeply during dry spells. Intolerant of poorly drained, waterlogged soils. Grows slowly (6–12 inches / 15–30 cm per year initially), accelerating once established. Not suited to hot, dry, or highly polluted urban environments. Best in cool, moist Pacific Northwest climates at lower montane to mid-elevation sites. Allow minimum 40 feet (12 m) clearance from structures.Pruning
Requires minimal pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth begins. Do not prune into old wood — firs do not regenerate from bare wood. Never top the tree; this destroys natural form and creates structural weakness. Remove lower limbs to the trunk as the canopy develops and shades them. No shearing or formal pruning.Pruning Schedule
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F
M
A
M
J
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A
S
O
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D
early spring