Abies alba
European silver fir
An upright-growing evergreen conifer to 45m in height, with dark green needles that are silver underneath. The yellow-green cones which appear in late spring are cylindrical in shape and ripen to brown
Synonyms
Abies pectinataAbies pardei
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | Yellow Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Brown | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Abies are evergreen conifers, often very tall, with whorled branches bearing flattened, linear leaves, often whitish beneath, and on the upper branches, large cones which break up whilst attached to the tree
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Pyrenees to Carpathians and Balkan Peninsula
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil. See conifer cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning not recommended
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus
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