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Description
Abies Lasiocarpa, commonly known as the Subalpine Fir, is a coniferous tree native to the western United States and Canada. It is a tall tree that can reach up to 60 meters in height and 1 meter in diameter. Its bark is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. The needles are flat, glossy and dark green, measuring around 2.5-4 centimeters in length. The cones are cylindrical and erect, with a length of about 10-20 centimeters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Abies |
| Species | Abies lasiocarpa |
Appearance
The Subalpine Fir has a tall, slender and conical shape, reaching heights of up to 60 meters. Its bark is grayish-brown, thick and scaly. The needles are flat, glossy and dark green, measuring around 2.5-4 centimeters in length. The cones are cylindrical and erect, with a length of about 10-20 centimeters. They are green when young and turn brown as they mature. The seeds are winged and light brown.
Care Guide
Water: The Subalpine Fir requires moderate watering during the growing season. Water the tree deeply once a week, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. Water less often during the dormant season.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears. Follow the recommended dosage on the label. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can damage the roots.Soil: The Subalpine Fir thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. If the soil is heavy, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.Sunlight: The Subalpine Fir prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may grow more slowly.Hardiness Zones: The Subalpine Fir is hardy in zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Subalpine Fir is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:Bark beetles: These insects can cause extensive damage to the tree by tunneling under the bark and cutting off the flow of nutrients. Look for small holes in the bark and sawdust around the base of the tree.Spider mites: These pests can cause the needles to turn yellow and fall off. They are tiny and difficult to see without magnification.Rust: This fungal disease causes yellow or orange spots on the needles. The infected needles may drop prematurely.
Habitat
The Subalpine Fir is native to the western United States and Canada, where it grows in subalpine forests at elevations of 1,500-3,500 meters. It prefers cool, moist conditions and can tolerate cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. It is often found growing alongside other conifers such as spruce and pine.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Subalpine Fir a good choice for a Christmas tree?A: Yes, the Subalpine Fir is a popular choice for a Christmas tree due to its conical shape and attractive needles.Q: Can the Subalpine Fir be grown in containers?A: Yes, the Subalpine Fir can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the roots and the soil is well-drained.Q: How fast does the Subalpine Fir grow?A: The Subalpine Fir is a slow-growing tree, averaging around 12 inches of growth per year.Q: Is the Subalpine Fir a good choice for windbreaks?A: Yes, the Subalpine Fir is a good choice for windbreaks due to its tall, conical shape and dense foliage.
Related Plants
- Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir)
- Abies concolor (White Fir)
- Abies grandis (Grand Fir)
- Abies magnifica (Red Fir)
References
- “Abies lasiocarpa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282194.
- “Subalpine Fir.” University of British Columbia Botanical Garden. https://botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2019/08/abies-lasiocarpa/.
- “Abies lasiocarpa.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:676504-1.
