Abies procera, the noble fir, also called red fir and Christmas tree, is a species of fir native to the United States. It occurs at altitudes of 300–1,500 meters (980–4,920 ft). David Douglas discovered the species in the Cascade Range in the early 19th century, calling it “noble fir”. The specific epithet procera means “tall”. It is the world’s tallest true fir.
Noble fir is found in the mountains of northern Oregon and Washington between the McKenzie River and Stevens Pass or latitudes 44° and 48° N. Most of its distribution is within the Cascade Range, particularly on the western slopes and along the crest. Isolated populations are found on peaks in the Oregon Coast Ranges and in the Willapa Hills of southwestern Washington.
The species is closely related to Abies magnifica (red fir), which replaces it further southeast in southernmost Oregon and California, being best distinguished by the leaves having a groove along the midrib on the upper side; red fir does not show this.
Noble Fir can grow up to 70 meters tall and 2 meters in trunk diameter, rarely to 90 meters tall and 2.7 meters thick. It is considered the world’s tallest true fir. It is a grand, evergreen tree species with branches evenly spaced and horizontal, forming a symmetrical, pyramid-like structure. The needles are roughly 1 inch long, beautifully blue-green, curved upwards to reveal the lower branch surface, and possess a sweet fragrance when crushed.
Noble Fir is highly valued for its timber and is also used as a popular Christmas tree. The wood of noble fir has always been valued over that of other true firs because of its greater strength. Loggers called it larch to avoid the prejudice against the wood of true fir; the two Larch Mountains opposite one another across the Columbia River near Portland, OR, were named for the noble fir that grows on their summits. Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, it has been used for specialty products, such as stock for ladder rails and construction of airplanes.
Characteristics
- Appearance: Noble fir can grow up to 40–70 meters (130–230 feet) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). The tree has a symmetrical, pyramidal shape with horizontal branches that become more tiered as the tree matures. The bark is smooth and gray when young, becoming rough and brown with age. Its needle-like leaves are bluish-green, up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) long, and arranged spirally around the branches.
- Cones: The cones are cylindrical, measuring 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) in length and 4-7 cm (1.6-2.8 inches) in diameter. They are purplish when young, maturing to brown and disintegrating to release seeds.
- Growth Rate: Noble firs have a moderate to slow growth rate, often taking several decades to reach their mature height.
- Longevity: This species can live for several hundred years, making it one of the longer-lived firs.
Uses
- Timber: Noble fir wood is strong and lightweight, making it ideal for construction, furniture, and paper products. It is also valued for its straight grain and minimal knotting.
- Christmas Trees: Noble fir is one of the most popular choices for Christmas trees due to its attractive shape, strong branches, and excellent needle retention. The needles are soft to the touch, making it a preferred option for households.
- Ornamental: It is frequently planted in parks and large gardens for its aesthetic appeal and to provide shade and shelter.
Cultivation
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soils rich in organic matter. It can tolerate clay and sandy soils if they are well-drained.
- Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Adequate sunlight is essential for optimal growth, especially in the early stages.
- Watering: Requires consistent moisture, particularly during the first few years after planting. Mature trees are somewhat drought-tolerant but still benefit from occasional watering during dry periods.
- Climate: Native to the Pacific Northwest, Noble fir thrives in cool, moist environments with moderate temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-6.
- Planting: When planting, ensure the tree has enough space to grow to its full size. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to promote healthy growth.
- Maintenance: Minimal pruning is required, primarily to remove dead or damaged branches. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Propagation: Noble fir can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be stratified (exposed to cold) before planting to enhance germination. Cuttings can be taken from young trees and rooted in a well-drained medium.
- Mature noble firs are relatively free of serious pathogens. Gray-mold blight (Botrytis cinerea) and brown felt mold (Herpotrichia nigra) cause some damage and loss of seedlings. Numerous foliage diseases-needle cast fungi and rusts-attack noble fir, but none are considered serious threats except on Christmas trees.