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Coniferous Trees
Abies grandis
grand fir
Pinaceae
Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains — British Columbia south to northern California, east to Montana and Idaho
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height60–120 feet (18–37 m)
Width15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m)
Maturity40 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 9Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low
Overview
A large, fast-growing evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest, reaching 100–200 feet (30–60 m) tall in the wild and typically 60–120 feet (18–37 m) in landscape settings, with a spread of 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m). Habit strongly pyramidal when young, becoming more columnar with age. Needles flat, 0.75–2 inches (2–5 cm) long, lustrous dark green above with two white stomatal bands below, arranged in distinct horizontal flat sprays. Strongly citrus-scented when crushed — one of the most fragrant of the native firs. Cones cylindrical, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, erect on upper branches, disintegrating on the tree at maturity. One of the fastest-growing conifers in the Pacific Northwest. Native to lowland and valley forests from British Columbia to northern California.
Native Range
Abies grandis is native to the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains — from southern British Columbia and Vancouver Island south through Washington, Oregon, and northern California, east to western Montana and Idaho. It grows in lowland and valley forests, particularly in moist, well-drained sites at lower elevations, often alongside Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock.Suggested Uses
Best as a large-scale specimen, windbreak, or privacy screen on properties with adequate space — minimum half-acre for comfortable accommodation at maturity. Excellent for creating native Pacific Northwest forest character on larger properties. Provides nesting habitat and food for birds and small mammals.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height60' - 120'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
M
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M
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J
A
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D
Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Lustrous dark green above, two white stomatal bands below; flat horizontal needle sprays; strongly citrus-scented when crushedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 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
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
30–50 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Requires significant space — allow at minimum 20–25 feet (6–7.5 m) of clearance from structures. Water regularly during establishment; moderately drought tolerant once established in its adapted range, but performs best with consistent moisture. Best suited to Pacific Northwest coastal and valley climates (zones 6–9). No significant pest or disease problems in adapted sites. Do not plant in restricted urban spaces.Pruning
Requires no routine pruning. Remove dead or broken limbs as needed. Do not prune the central leader. Lower limb removal for clearance may be done in late winter.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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M
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J
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early spring