Coniferous Trees

Abies procera 'Glauca'

Blue Noble Fir

Pinaceae

Cascade and Coast ranges of Washington and Oregon; Klamath Mountains of northern California (cultivar selected from species range)

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

Abies procera 'Glauca' is a large, stately evergreen conifer reaching 70–130 feet (21–40 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) wide — matching the species in size — selected for intensified steel-blue to silvery-blue needle color that exceeds the typical blue-gray tone of the species. Habit strongly pyramidal with rigidly horizontal, tiered branch layers. Needles 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long, distinctively curving upward to expose silvery-white undersides, creating a more pronounced frosted two-toned effect than the straight species. Cones spectacular: 5–10 inches (13–25 cm) long, cylindrical and erect, purple-brown at maturity with numerous exserted bracts — the largest cones of any North American fir. Care, culture, and hardiness identical to the species. 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. Glauca is a blue-needled selection of garden origin selected from within the natural variation of the species.

Suggested Uses

Abies procera 'Glauca' is used as a large-scale specimen on properties with adequate space, valued for exceptional blue needle color that provides year-round visual interest beyond the straight species. Effective in contrast with dark green conifers. Same scale and space requirements as the species — best on larger properties.

How to Identify

Abies procera 'Glauca' is identified by intensified steel-blue to silvery-blue needles curving upward to expose silvery-white undersides — more dramatically blue than typical Abies procera — on a large pyramidal tree with rigidly tiered horizontal branches. Large cones (5–10 inches / 13–25 cm) with exserted bracts on mature trees confirm species identity. Distinguished from the straight Abies procera by the more intensely blue needle color; distinguished from Abies lasiocarpa by larger stature, tiered rather than spire branching, and much larger cones.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height70' - 130'
Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 50 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

blue
gray

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Produces pollen cones in spring. Seed cones 5–10 inches (13–25 cm) long, upright, purple-brown with 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

Intensified steel-blue to silvery-blue, curving upward to expose silvery-white undersides; more dramatically blue than the straight species

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

Abies procera 'Glauca' requires 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 drought. Allow 20–25 feet (6–7.5 m) of clearance from structures. Water regularly during establishment; tolerates dry periods once established. 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.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic