European Silver Fir

Species Name

European Silver Fir (Abies Alba)

Seed Source

Macedonia (also Bulgaria under cultivation)

Character

Hardy, due to high elevation of source. Medium growth rate. Much more tolerant of temporary droughts than other sources. Otherwise, typical characteristics of this species.

Soil

The soil and bedrock situations have shown to be of little importance in respect of Christmas tree and landscaping applications. Only in wild stands does the soil type seem to make a difference.

Growth

The Silver Fir appears to have a silvery color when seen from below. Shaded foliage is 2-ranked, spreading horizontally; foliage in the sun is more or less erect; the needle base will be twisted, apex notched or rounded; the upper surface is dark shiny green and grooved.

Needle

Excellent

Shade

Good

Aspect

This tree tends to grow well on any aspect.

Description

Mature trees: A tall tree with a long clear bole surmounted by a pyramidal crown that becomes flat-topped with age, growing to a height of 46 m. Bark: smooth, gray, scaly, with resin blisters; branches: grooved, pale brown or dull gray with a blackish pubescence.

Native to the mountains of southern and central Europe, east to Ukraine's Karpaty Mountains. Also found in Byelorussia, Asia and the Caucasus Mountains; In wild stands, it prefers fresh, moist soils in higher altitudes. Lumber, plywood, pulp, landscaping and Christmas trees.