White Fir
Abies concolor · Pinaceae
- Form
- Tree
- Height
- 60–150 ft
- Sun
- Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Habitat
- Montane
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Montane forest (Big Bear, mid–upper Sierra)
- Form / size: Tall, conical conifer, 60–150 ft
- Sun: Full sun to part shade · Water: Low
- The tell: flat, soft, blue-green needles attached singly; cones stand upright and disintegrate on the tree
Description
A true fir with flat, soft, silvery blue-green needles that attach singly to the twig (not in bundles like pines) and curve upward. Cones sit upright like candles high in the crown and fall apart in place rather than dropping whole — so you rarely find a whole fir cone on the ground. Smooth grey bark when young. A major component of mid-elevation montane forest.
Wildlife & pollinators
Wind-pollinated; seeds feed squirrels and birds; dense foliage gives cover and nesting.
Habitat & range
Montane forests of the Sierra, Southern California ranges (Big Bear), and the interior West; often mixed with pines and incense cedar.
Propagation
From seed with cold-moist stratification.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed across California (map)
- Big Bear and Sierra montane forest.
In the landscape
A handsome, soft-textured conifer (and a classic Christmas tree). Full sun to light shade, low water, cold-hardy.
