Abies Alba

Abies alba (white fir, European fir) is an imposing conifer, highly valued in landscaping for its elegant bearing and longevity.

General characteristics

• Family: Pinaceae

• Origin: The mountains of Central and Southern Europe

• Port: tall tree, regular pyramidal

• Height at maturity: 30–50 m (sometimes over 60 m)

• Width: 6–10 m

Foliage

• Needles: flat, soft, glossy dark green on face

• Bottom: two silver-white stripes

• Persistence: evergreen

• Flavor: pleasant, resinous

Cones

• Position: erect (upward facing)

• Color: green at first, then brown-brown

• Size: 10–15 cm

• Particularity: they open on the tree at maturity

Growing conditions

• Exposure: full sun or partial shade

• Soil: deep, fertile, well drained, slightly acid-neutral

• Watering: moderate; prefers constantly re-emerging soils

• Cold resistance: very good (–25 / –30°C)

• Sensitivity: to prolonged drought and urban pollution

Use in landscaping

• tree lonely in large gardens and parks

• alignments or large green areas

• structural element in natural settings and mountains

Maintenance

• does not require trimming

• it is recommended to mulch the soil at the base

• slow development in the first years, then constant