What hardiness zones is Abies procera suitable for?

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

What are the sun requirements for Abies procera?

Abies procera requires Full Sun.

How much water does Abies procera need?

Abies procera has Medium water needs.

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Coniferous Trees

Abies procera

Noble Fir

Pinaceae

Cascade and Coast ranges of Washington and Oregon; Klamath Mountains of northern California

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitUpright

FoliageEvergreen

Height70–130 feet (21–40 m)

Width15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m)

Maturity50 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 7

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

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

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (moderate)

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

A large, stately evergreen conifer native to mountain forests of the Pacific Northwest, reaching 100–200 feet (30–60 m) in the wild and typically 70–130 feet (21–40 m) in landscape settings, with a spread of 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m). Habit strongly pyramidal with rigidly horizontal, tiered branch layers. Needles 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long, blue-gray to blue-green, distinctively curving upward to expose silvery-white stomatal bands on the undersides — creating a frosted, two-toned appearance along each branch. Cones spectacular: 5–10 inches (13–25 cm) long, the largest of any North American fir, cylindrical and erect, purple-brown at maturity with numerous exserted bracts protruding between scales. Prized as a Christmas tree and for wreath greens. Hardy in USDA zones 5–7.

Native Range

Abies procera is native to the Cascade Range and Coast Range of Washington and Oregon, and the Klamath Mountains of northern California, growing at elevations of 2,500–7,500 feet (760–2,300 m) in moist montane forest alongside Abies amabilis, Tsuga mertensiana, and Pinus monticola.

Suggested Uses

Used as a large-scale specimen or forest planting on properties with adequate space. Outstanding ornamental value from the frosted blue-gray foliage and spectacular large cones. Widely grown as Christmas trees and harvested for premium wreath greens. Provides nesting habitat and food resources for birds and small mammals. Best in cool, moist Pacific Northwest settings.

How to Identify

Identified by blue-gray needles that curve upward to expose silvery-white undersides — giving branches a distinctive frosted, pale-bellied appearance — combined with spectacular large cones 5–10 inches (13–25 cm) long with prominent exserted bracts protruding between scales like upturned mouse tails. The upward-curving needle presentation distinguishes it from Abies grandis (flat horizontal sprays, dark green) and Abies lasiocarpa (bottle-brush, no upward curve). The enormous cones with exserted bracts are unmistakable when present on mature trees.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height70' - 130'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 50 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

blue

gray

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Produces pollen cones in spring. Seed cones are the ornamental highlight — large (5–10 inches / 13–25 cm), upright, purple-brown with distinctive exserted bracts, maturing late summer through fall and disintegrating on the branch. Cones require approximately 20 or more years of tree maturity before appearing.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Blue-gray to blue-green, curving upward to expose silvery-white undersides; creates a frosted two-toned appearance on branches

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 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 Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40–60 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Requires cool, moist Pacific Northwest or mountain-climate conditions (zones 5–7); does not thrive in hot, humid climates or prolonged summer drought. Allow 20–25 feet (6–7.5 m) of clearance from structures at minimum. Water regularly during establishment. Once established, tolerates dry periods better than Abies lasiocarpa but still prefers consistent moisture. No significant pest issues in adapted sites.

Pruning

Requires no routine pruning. Preserve the central leader. Remove dead or broken limbs in late winter as needed. Do not plant where the mature size cannot be accommodated.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic