What hardiness zones is Abies koreana suitable for?

Abies koreana is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7.

What are the sun requirements for Abies koreana?

Abies koreana requires Part Sun.

How much water does Abies koreana need?

Abies koreana has Medium water needs.

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Coniferous Trees

Abies koreana

Korean fir

Pinaceae

High-elevation mountain forests of South Korea — Hallasan on Jeju Island, Jiri and Deogyusan mountain ranges, 3,300–6,000 ft elevation

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitUpright

FoliageEvergreen

Height15-30 feet (4.5-9 m)

Width10-15 feet (3-4.5 m)

Maturity18 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 7

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Maintenancelow

Overview

Abies koreana is a slow-growing, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae, native to high-elevation mountain forests of South Korea — found on Hallasan volcano on Jeju Island and peaks of the Jiri and Deogyusan mountain ranges at 3,300–6,000 feet (1,000–1,800 m) elevation. The specific epithet koreana means 'from Korea.' Plants grow 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) tall and 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) wide in cultivation, developing a compact, densely branched pyramidal form with branches extending near to the ground on open-grown specimens. The flat, short needles 0.5–0.75 inch (12–19 mm) long curve slightly forward along the stem; the upper surface is deep green and the underside displays two brilliant white stomatal bands — a two-toned effect visible when branches move in the wind. The defining ornamental character of Korean fir is ABUNDANT UPRIGHT VIOLET-PURPLE CONES on very young trees: cones 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) tall appear on specimens as young as 5–7 years old — far earlier than the 15–20 years typical of most firs — and are produced prolifically even on small trees, making Korean fir the most ornamentally cone-productive fir for garden use. Cones are distinctly violet-purple when young, aging to brown, and are held upright on the branches. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to high-elevation mountain forests of South Korea — Hallasan volcano on Jeju Island and peaks of the Jiri and Deogyusan mountain ranges at 3,300–6,000 feet (1,000–1,800 m) elevation.

Suggested Uses

Abies koreana is planted as a specimen conifer in Pacific Northwest, northeastern, and upper Midwest gardens where its compact pyramidal form and prolific violet-purple cone display from a young age can be appreciated at close range. The abundant upright violet-purple cones on young trees make it the most ornamentally rewarding fir for smaller garden settings. Numerous dwarf and compact cultivars available including 'Silberlocke' (twisted needles exposing white undersides) and 'Kohout's Icebreaker.'

How to Identify

Abies koreana is identified as a compact pyramidal evergreen conifer. Koreana = 'from Korea.' DEFINING CHARACTER: ABUNDANT UPRIGHT VIOLET-PURPLE CONES 2–3 inches on trees as young as 5–7 years — no other common fir produces cones so prolifically at such a young age. Short forward-curving needles 0.5–0.75 inch: deep green above, TWO BRILLIANT WHITE STOMATAL BANDS beneath. Compact dense pyramidal form with branches to ground. Cones age from violet-purple to brown, held upright.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 30'

Width/Spread10' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 18 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple

brown

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Male pollen strobili release pollen in April–May. ORNAMENTALLY DISTINCTIVE: upright female cones 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) emerge violet-purple in May–June, providing vivid color through summer, then aging to brown by September–October before disintegrating on the tree. Cone production begins at 5–7 years — exceptionally early for a fir. Cones are held erect on the upper branches and are visible from a distance even on young trees.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

ABUNDANT UPRIGHT VIOLET-PURPLE CONES 2–3 inches on trees as young as 5–7 years — defining ornamental character; age to brown Sept–Oct; disintegrate on tree; no other fir cones so prolifically on young trees

Foliage Description

deep green above; TWO BRILLIANT WHITE STOMATAL BANDS beneath; short forward-curving needles 0.5–0.75 inch; koreana = 'from Korea'; compact pyramidal; branches to ground; high-elevation Korean mountain specialist

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-10 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

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Abies koreana requires full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0–7.0. Requires consistently moist conditions — does not tolerate prolonged drought. Prefers cool summers; performs best in Pacific Northwest, northeastern, and upper Midwest climates. Mulch to maintain soil moisture. Avoid hot, humid southeastern climates (zones 8–9 with summer heat) where it typically declines.

Pruning

No pruning required for natural form. Remove dead or damaged branches in early spring. Do not cut into old leafless wood — firs do not regenerate from bare stems. To maintain dense foliage, preserve lower branches on young trees. Select a smaller cultivar (e.g., 'Silberlocke') if space is limited rather than pruning for size control.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic