Coniferous Trees

Abies numidica

Algerian Fir

Pinaceae

Northeastern Algeria (Babor Mountain, Kabylie region)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height50–80 feet (15–24 m)
Width15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m)
Maturity50 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Abies numidica is an evergreen conifer reaching 50–80 feet (15–24 m) tall with a spread of 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) in cultivation, with a narrowly conical to columnar crown. Bark is grayish and furrowed on mature specimens. Needles are 0.6–1 inch (1.5–2.5 cm) long, flat, dark glossy green above with two white stomatal bands below, notched at the tip, arranged densely in two ranks with some forward-pointing needles, giving branches a full appearance. Compared to most Abies species, A. numidica tolerates drier soils and warmer summers and is considered among the more drought-tolerant firs in cultivation. Cones are cylindrical, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long, greenish to brownish-purple, upright, disintegrating at maturity in September–October. The species is slower to establish than some firs in the Pacific Northwest and is not widely available in the nursery trade.

Native Range

Abies numidica is native to a restricted area of northeastern Algeria, primarily on the slopes of Babor Mountain in the Kabylie region, at elevations of 5,900–6,900 feet (1,800–2,100 m). In its native range it grows in montane forests on well-drained limestone-based soils with a Mediterranean climate characterized by dry summers and winter precipitation. The species is considered endangered in its native range due to its extremely limited distribution.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen in large gardens, parks, and arboreta, particularly in drier climates where most firs do not perform well. Requires minimum 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m) clearance from structures at planting. More suitable than most Abies for Mediterranean-climate gardens and continental sites with dry summers. Not suited to waterlogged, permanently wet, or compacted soils.

How to Identify

Abies numidica is distinguished from other firs in cultivation by its relatively dense, forward-pointing to spreading needle arrangement combined with dark glossy green upper needle surfaces and narrow white stomatal bands below. Needles, 0.6–1 inch (1.5–2.5 cm), are shorter than those of A. nordmaniana or A. alba. The compact, dense crown distinguishes it from the more open-branched A. cephalonica. Buds are small and resinous. As with all Abies, cones are upright and disintegrate on the tree.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 50 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
red

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Male strobili are small, yellowish to reddish, releasing pollen in April–May. Female cones form upright, greenish to purple at pollination, maturing to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long by August–September. Cones disintegrate on the tree in September–October, releasing winged seeds and leaving a persistent central rachis.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellowish to reddish (male strobili); greenish to brownish-purple (cones)

Foliage Description

dark glossy green above, white stomatal bands below

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 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 Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrockychalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40–60 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in well-drained soil, including shallow or rocky soils, with a pH of 5.5–7.5; this species tolerates alkaline and limestone-derived soils better than most firs. Water weekly during the first 2 growing seasons. Established plants tolerate dry periods of 2–3 weeks and perform better than most Abies species in sites with dry summers. Poorly drained or waterlogged soils cause root rot. Tolerates summer temperatures up to 95°F (35°C) better than most firs, though growth slows in prolonged heat. No routine fertilization is required in adequate soils.

Pruning

No routine pruning is required. The natural conical form is self-maintaining. Remove dead or damaged branches in late spring after new growth has hardened. The central leader should not be cut; its loss results in a forked crown that does not regenerate to a single-stemmed form. Avoid pruning from late summer through fall.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic