ExplorePlants

subalpine fir

Abies lasiocarpa

The subalpine fir is a tall, evergreen tree that grows in cool, mountainous areas. Its soft needles and sweet smell make it a favorite among nature lovers!

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The subalpine fir is a slender, spire-shaped evergreen tree with smooth, grey bark that can develop resin blisters. Its soft, flat needles are silvery-green, and it features distinctive purplish-blue cones that stand upright on its branches.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusAbies
subalpine fir
cold_hardy trait badgeconiferous trait badgeevergreen trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
subalpine fir

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its smooth bark often has 'blisters' filled with a fragrant, sticky resin.

This tree can grow at higher elevations on mountains than almost any other fir species!

When its cones are ripe, they disintegrate on the branch, leaving behind a spike-like core.

You can tell it's a fir tree because its flat needles leave a round scar when pulled off the twig!

Special abilities

Ability

Snow Shedder

Subalpine fir has flexible branches and a conical shape that help it shed heavy snow loads, preventing breakage in snowy mountain regions.

Ability

Waxy Needle Armor

Its needles have a waxy coating that helps the subalpine fir conserve water and protect against freezing winds at high altitudes.

Ability

Upright Cone Dispersal

Subalpine fir has unique upright cones that break apart on the branch to release seeds, a clever way to ensure reproduction.

Measurements & details

Height
2000-5000 cm
Spread
600-800 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Stay on trails when exploring near trees to avoid getting lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is subalpine fir?

2000-5000 cm

How wide does subalpine fir spread?

600-800 cm

When does subalpine fir bloom?

Spring

Is subalpine fir edible?

No

Is subalpine fir toxic?

None

What is subalpine fir's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is subalpine fir pollinated?

Wind

Where is subalpine fir usually found?

Mountain regions

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