ExplorePlants

silver fir

Abies alba

The silver fir is a tall tree with soft, green needles and a lovely shape. It can grow very high and is often found in beautiful forests, providing homes for many animals.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The silver fir has distinctive flat, dark green needles with two silvery white bands on their undersides, giving it a frosty appearance. Its cylindrical cones stand upright like candles on branches, unique among many conifers, and its bark is smooth and grey.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusAbies
silver fir
aromatic trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgeconiferous trait badgeevergreen trait badge
silver fir

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A special resin from its bark was historically used by scientists for delicate optical lenses.

Its cones stand tall like candles on the branches, unlike most conifers whose cones hang down!

Some very old silver firs can develop a unique, flat 'stork's nest' shape at their very tops.

The silver fir is Europe's tallest native fir, reaching amazing heights like a skyscraper!

Special abilities

Ability

Resin Armor

Silver fir has sticky resin that oozes out to trap insects and seal wounds, acting like a natural bandage to protect it.

Ability

Upright Seed Spread

Its cones stand upright and break apart on the tree, letting wind easily scatter its winged seeds widely for reproduction.

Ability

Shade Nursery

Young silver firs can grow well in shade beneath older trees, patiently waiting for their chance to reach the sun and thrive.

Ability

Deep Water Seekers

Silver firs have very deep roots that help anchor them firmly in mountainous terrain and find water far below the surface.

Measurements & details

Height
3000-6000 cm
Spread
500-1000 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red Deer

Cervus elaphus

Browses on young trees and bark

parasitizes

Fir Bark Beetle

Pityokteines curvidens

Bores into bark, weakening the tree

shelters

Eurasian Pygmy Owl

Glaucidium passerinum

Nests in old firs' cavities

symbiotic with

Porcino Mushroom

Boletus edulis

Shares nutrients with its roots

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Stay on paths when exploring forests and don't climb trees without an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is silver fir?

3000-6000 cm

How wide does silver fir spread?

500-1000 cm

When does silver fir bloom?

Spring

Is silver fir edible?

Yes

Is silver fir toxic?

None

What is silver fir's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is silver fir pollinated?

Wind

Where is silver fir usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Plants