



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
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.




Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
6
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!
Subalpine fir has flexible branches and a conical shape that help it shed heavy snow loads, preventing breakage in snowy mountain regions.
Its needles have a waxy coating that helps the subalpine fir conserve water and protect against freezing winds at high altitudes.
Subalpine fir has unique upright cones that break apart on the branch to release seeds, a clever way to ensure reproduction.
Ursus americanus
Eats inner bark for nutrients.

Oreamnos americanus
Browses on its needles and twigs.

Cyanocitta stelleri
Nests safely within its branches.

Tamias minimus
Burrows near its tree base.
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones.
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay on trails when exploring near trees to avoid getting lost.
The easiest way to identify subalpine fir is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
2000-5000 cm
600-800 cm
Spring
No
None
Perennial
Wind
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Montana, US
You might spot Great Blanketflower and Seven-Spotted Lady Beetle.
View guide →
Colorado, US
You might spot Black-Billed Magpie and Twinberry Honeysuckle.
View guide →

Colorado, US
You might spot Elk, Mule Deer, and Black-Billed Magpie.
View guide →
British Columbia, CA
You might spot White Pasqueflower and Columbian Ground Squirrel.
View guide →
Colorado, US
You might spot Black-Billed Magpie, Fireweed, and Common Cowparsnip.
View guide →

Washington, US
You might spot Cascade Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel.
View guide →