Tree of the Week

abies lasiocarpa - subalpine fir or corkbark fir

Hardiness Zones: 5
Height: 80 feet Spread: 20 feet Form: pyramidal
Type: narrow-leaved evergreen
Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 18 inches

Comments: Also known as Rocky Mountain Fir, this tree has one-inch, bluish-green needles. It is native to Northwest North America and throughout the Rocky Mountains. In the wild it is a narrow, spire-like tree but less so in cultivation - in many landscapes it has a narrowly pyramidal form. The tree grows best in moist, well-drained soils and does well in clay soils, making it a great choice for our area. Its moderate growth rate and narrow habit combine with its bluish foliage to make a great specimen, or a screening or border tree for smaller spaces. The notable bark is especially interesting in young trees, where it can be readily seen on the trunk.


Cultivars:
var. arizonica - A variety only 40 feet tall with deep blue needles and a slow growth rate. The bark is white and corky when mature. Great for narrower spaces, and has a compact appearance. 

Check out more trees from the Tree of the Week Archive.