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Abies procera
Noble Fir
Cascade and Coast ranges of Washington and Oregon; Klamath Mountains of northern California; 2,000-5,000 feet (600-1,500 m)
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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 7These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Abies procera is a native Pacific Northwest evergreen conifer growing 70–130 feet (21–40 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) wide, with a narrow symmetrical pyramidal crown. Wild specimens can exceed 250 feet (75 m); the species holds the height record among true firs (Abies). Needles are blue-green to silver-green, flat, grooved, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long, curved upward and combed to the upper side of the branch, exposing silvery undersides in wind. Cones are upright, cylindrical, 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long — the largest cones produced by any Pacific Northwest fir — with papery exserted bracts projecting beyond the cone scales. Bark is smooth and silver-gray with resin blisters on young trees, developing reddish-brown furrows on mature specimens. Growth rate is moderate, reaching landscape size in 20–30 years. The species is widely grown commercially for Christmas trees and wreaths in the Pacific Northwest, valued for its blue-green color, symmetrical form, and needle retention after cutting. Native to upper-elevation montane forests of the Cascade and Coast ranges of Washington and Oregon and the Klamath Mountains of northern California, at 2,000–5,000 feet (600–1,500 m). The species does not tolerate hot lowland summers and declines in zone 8 and above summer heat.
Native Range
Native to the Cascade and Coast ranges of Washington and Oregon and the Klamath Mountains of northern California, growing in upper-elevation montane forests at 2,000–5,000 feet (600–1,500 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a large native coniferous specimen in cool-climate Pacific Northwest landscapes in zones 5–7. Standard spacing is 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) from adjacent trees and structures. Commercially grown for Christmas trees and wreaths. Not tolerant of hot lowland summers, which limits cultivation outside cool-summer regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height70' - 130'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Not applicable — wind-pollinated conifer. Pollen cones release in spring. Seed cones are upright, cylindrical, 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long with exserted papery bracts, borne on upper branches. Cones ripen and disintegrate on the tree in autumn. Seeds are dispersed by wind.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
blue-green to silver-green, flat, grooved, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), curved upward and combed to the upper side of the branchGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun (6–10 hours direct sun) in acidic to neutral, well-drained soil with pH 5.0–7.0. The species requires cool summers and does not tolerate hot lowland conditions; it performs in zones 5–7 but declines in zone 8 and above summer heat. Supplemental irrigation is needed during dry summers outside the species native range. Mature trees reach 70–130 feet (21–40 m) and require a large planting site clear of overhead utilities. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Christmas tree farms shear annually for dense symmetrical form; landscape specimens need no shearing.Pruning
No regular pruning is needed — the pyramidal form develops naturally. Dead or damaged branches are removed in late winter to early spring (February–March). The central leader is not removed; topping destroys the natural form and is not recoverable.Pruning Schedule
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early spring