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Abies procera
Noble Fir
Cascade and Coast ranges of Washington and Oregon; Klamath Mountains of northern CaliforniaLearn more
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 the noble fir, a native Pacific Northwest evergreen conifer growing 840–1,560 inches (2,100–3,900 cm / 70–130 feet) tall and 180–300 inches (450–750 cm / 15–25 feet) wide. The tallest fir species in the world — the record specimen measured 295 feet (90 m). Blue-green to silver-green flat grooved needles 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) curved upward and combed to the upper side of the branch. Large upright cylindrical cones 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) — the largest cones of any Pacific Northwest fir — with papery exserted bracts projecting beyond the cone scales. Smooth silver-gray bark with resin blisters on young trees, aging to reddish-brown furrowed bark on mature specimens. In the pine family (Pinaceae). The most widely used Christmas tree and wreath species in the Pacific Northwest — the blue-green needles, the symmetrical form, and the retention of needles after cutting make it the standard Christmas tree of the region. 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). Intolerant of hot lowland summers — performs in zones 5–7 but declines in zone 8+ summer heat. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun. Zones 5–7. Growth rate is moderate. Native.
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
Retained as a native specimen in Pacific Northwest landscapes in zones 5–7. The most widely used Christmas tree species in the Pacific Northwest. Intolerant of hot lowland summers. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Native.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height70' - 130'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Not applicable — evergreen conifer. Large upright cones 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) with exserted bracts on upper branches. Cones disintegrate on the tree. The blue-green needles are the year-round feature.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
Full sun. Acidic to neutral well-drained soil. Intolerant of hot lowland summers (zones 8+). Native to upper-elevation montane forests. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Native. Zones 5–7.Pruning
No pruning needed — the pyramidal form develops naturally. Do not remove the leader. Remove dead branches if needed. Christmas tree farms shear annually for dense symmetrical form.Pruning Schedule
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F
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early spring