Native Plants PNW

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database

Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn

Distribution of Alpine Larch from Silvics of North America

Subalpine Larch, Larix lyallii, is a subalpine species found in the North Cascades and the Northern Rockies. This species has not been cultivated successfully to any extent. Any attempt to propagate this tree through collection of seeds or seedlings should be done with great care so as not to disrupt the fragile habitat in which it grows.

Grouse and other game birds are the primary consumers of Alpine Larch needles.

Links for Larix lyallii:

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Virginia Tech ID Fact Sheet

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database

Ponderosa Pine, Pinus ponderosa

Ponderosa Pine The Pine Family–Pinaceae

Pinus ponderosa C. Lawson

(PIE-nus pon-der-OH-suh)

Names: Our 3-needled pine is the Ponderosa Pine, sometimes called the Western Yellow Pine. For most of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s the word “Ponderosa” elicits memories of Hoss and Little Joe Cartwright, characters in the TV show Bonanza. The Ponderosa Ranch near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevadas was the setting for the show, possibly derived from the Ponderosa Pines in the area. The word “Ponderosa” means big or heavy.

Relationships: There are about 115 species of pines worldwide, 35 in North America. The needles of pines are borne in bundles (or fascicles). Pines are separated into two groups: soft pines, which usually have needles in bundles of 5; and hard pines, which usually have needles in bundles of 2 or 3. We have one common soft pine, (5-needled) and two common hard pines (one with 2 needles and one usually with 3 needles). Pinus ponderosa is a 3-needled pine.

Distribution of Ponderosa Pine from USGS ( “Atlas of United States Trees” by Elbert L. Little, Jr. )

Distibution: Ponderosa Pine is common throughout the west, from British Columbia to California and Montana to Mexico. In the Pacific Northwest, we are most familiar with seeing these awesome trees on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains. They are also found on drier sites on the west side of the Cascades in Oregon. There is also a small population at Fort Lewis near Tacoma.

Growth: The biggest Ponderosas surviving today are in the Sierra Nevadas and Siskiyous. The tallest are over 220 feet (65m) tall. Typically, they grow rapidly to 90-150 feet (30-45m) and live for about 600 years.

Habitat: Mature Ponderosa Pines are very fire resistant due to their thick bark and high crowns. Smaller trees and underbrush are more susceptible. That is one reason why mature trees are often found in dry, open grassy sites where fires are common.

Wetland designation: FACU-, Facultative upland, it usually occurs in non-wetlands.

Diagnostic Characters: These trees are easily recognized by their cinnamon-colored bark that breaks apart in large jigsaw puzzle-like pieces. The needles form tufts at the end of branches and are usually in bundles of three, but sometimes there may only be two in a bundle. The cones are 3 to 6 inches long with each scale tipped with a stiff prickle.

In the Landscape: A Ponderosa Pine may be too big for a small garden, but it can make an impressive addition to a large garden or park.

Phenology: Bloom Period: May to Mid-June. Cones mature in August the following year; seed dispersal begins in September.

Propagation is easy by seed. The cones need to be collected before they open and allowed to dry. Once the cones open, the seeds can be shaken out. Stratify at 40ºF (4ºC) for 60 days. As with other pine species, cuttings are possible only when taken from very young trees.

Use by People: As a timber tree, it is perhaps second only to Douglas Fir in current use. Knotty pine paneling is made from young ponderosas. The colorful, mature wood has pale yellow to orange-brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood. It is used to make attractive wood furniture.

Use by Wildlife: Ponderosa Pine seeds are an extremely valuable food source for birds and squirrels. It is also a host plant for some butterflies. Nationwide, pines are second only to oaks in their food value to wildlife. In the Pacific region, pines are the most valuable. They have nutritious, oily seeds that are favored by many birds, especially Clark Nutcracker, crossbills, grosbeaks, jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers. Many small mammals, such as chipmunks and squirrels also eat the seeds. Foliage is eaten by grouse and deer. Porcupines and small rodents eat the bark and wood. Pine needles are a favorite material for making nests. Large pines provide excellent sites for roosting and nesting; small pines provide good cover for many animals.

Links:

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database

Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn

Shore Pine, Pinus contorta

Shore Pine The Pine Family–Pinaceae

Pinus contorta Douglas ex Louden var. contorta

(PIE-nus kon-TOR-tuh)

Names: Contorta means twisted, referring to the young shoots. It is called Shore Pine or Beach Pine because it is often found along the Northwest coast. The Lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia (latifolia=broad-leaved) is a variety known for its tall, straight trunks, common in the Rocky Mountains.

Distribution of Pinus Contorta from USGS ( “Atlas of United States Trees” by Elbert L. Little, Jr. )

Distribution: The Shore Pine or Beach Pine is found along the coast from southern Alaska to Northern California. Lodgepole Pine is found throughout the Rocky Mountains and other western mountain ranges.

Growth: Shore Pine grows fairly fast, typically to 20 or 35 feet (6-10m), but the tallest are over 100 feet (33m). The oldest are about 250 years old.

Habitat: It is highly adaptable and can grow from dunes and bogs to rocky hilltops and is tolerant of low nutrient conditions and salt-spray.

Wetland designation: FAC, Facultative, it is equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands.

Woody cones often hang on to the tree for a long time.

Diagnostic Characters: The 1-2 inch (2.5-5cm) long, paired needles are stiff and often twisted. The cones are small and hard (about 1-2 inches or2.5-5cm long) with a sharp prickle at the tip of each scale. They are twisted at the base so that the cones end up pointing toward the trunk. Like many pines, the cones are sometimes serotinous, which means they are sealed shut by resin, usually requiring a fire to release the seeds (although very old ones will eventually open on their own).

An unopened female cone.

In the Landscape: Shore Pine has an open form with interesting branching patterns, and is best planted in drifts. In seaside plantings, Shore Pines are often sculpted by the wind making them quite picturesque. Pines produce new shoots in the spring, called “candles.” If it is desired to control the growth of pines, it is better to pinch back the elongating candles in the spring rather than shearing or pruning. In fast growing species, controlling growth may be an effort in futility.

Male Cones on Shore Pine with elongating “candles.”

Phenology: Bloom Period: Mid-May to mid-July. Cones mature in August to October the following year; seeds from nonserotinous cones are mostly released before the following growing season. Serotinous cones, cones sealed with resin that open after a fire, may remain viable for many years if they remain on the tree. Serotinous cones, however, are rare in coastal populations.

Propagation is easiest by seed; old cones need to be stored in a dry place to encourage them to release their seeds. Stratify seeds at 40º F (4ºC) for 30 days. Seeds may remain viable up to 17 years in cold storage. Cuttings are difficult but are possible using single leaf fascicles with the base of a short shoot taken from very young trees. Pinus contorta has also been propagated using micropropagation techniques.

Use by People: Natives used the pitch medicinally and put it on open sores. Today, the lumber is sometimes used for cabinets, knotty pine paneling and other finish work. Its sibling, the Lodgepole Pine, was used by natives, as the name suggests, for the central pole in tepees. The straight trunk of the Lodgepole Pine is also used for fenceposts, poles and utility poles.

Use by Wildlife: Nationwide, pines are second only to oaks in their food value to wildlife. In the Pacific region, pines are the most valuable. They have nutritious, oily seeds that are favored by many birds, especially Clark Nutcracker, crossbills, grosbeaks, jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers. Many small mammals, such as chipmunks and squirrels also eat the seeds. Foliage is eaten by grouse and deer. Porcupines and small rodents eat the bark and wood. Pine needles are a favorite material for making nests. Large pines provide excellent sites for roosting and nesting; small pines provide good cover for many animals.

Lodgepole Pines, Pinus contorta var. latifolia, at Crater Lake in Oregon.

Links:

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database

Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn

Western White Pine, Pinus monticola

Western White Pine The Pine Family–Pinaceae

Pinus monticola Douglas ex D. Don

(PIE-nus mon-tih-KOE-luh)

Names: Western White Pine is a 5-needled, soft pine or white pine. White Pines are so named because of the color of their wood. Monticola means “mountain dweller.”

Relationships: There are about 115 species of pines worldwide, 35 in North America. The needles of pines are borne in bundles (or fascicles). Pines are separated into two groups: soft pines, which usually have needles in bundles of 5; and hard pines, which usually have needles in bundles of 2 or 3. Western White Pine is our one common (5-needled ) soft pine. We also have two common hard pines (one with 2 needles and one usually with 3 needles).

Distribution of Western White Pine from USGS ( “Atlas of United States Trees” by Elbert L. Little, Jr. )

Distribution: Western White Pine is native to southern British Columbia, western Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana, the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and the Sierras of California.

Growth: They are fast growing when young and may grow 1½-2 feet (45-60cm) in a year. In cultivation, they sometimes reach 135 feet (40m). The largest, growing in Oregon, near Fish Lake east of Medford, is over 220 feet (67m) tall. Most of the largest, however, are in Idaho, growing in remnants of forests depleted by earlier logging and the devastating disease, White Pine Blister Rust. Some historical trees may have reached close to 240 feet (73m). White Pines can live over 400 years.

Habitat: Western White Pines grow in moist valleys to fairly dry, open sites.

Wetland designation: FACU, Facultative upland, it usually occurs in non-wetlands.

Diagnostic Characters: White pines are easily recognized by their long, soft, slender needles in bundles of five. They are nice to stroke. The cones of white pines although still woody, are much softer than the cones of hard pines. The scales on cones of white pines have no prickles and are often dotted with spots of white resin.

In the landscape: Western White Pine has an attractive, pyramidal habit. It is best in large open spaces. Because the cones can drip pitch in warm weather, it should not be planted next to patios or where cars will be parked. The possibility of infection by White Pine Blister Rust is increased if the pathogen’s alternate hosts, currants or gooseberries (Ribes sp.) are growing within 10 miles. However, the virtues of this pine make it worth growing despite the risk. Resistant strains are becoming available. Pines produce new shoots in the spring, called “candles.” If it is desired to control the growth of pines, it is better to pinch back the elongating candles in the spring rather than shearing or pruning.

Phenology: Bloom Period: Late June to Mid-July. Cones mature in August to September; seed dispersal begins in September.

Propagation: Stratify seed at 40ºF (4ºC) for 120 days and sow on the surface of the soil. Fresh seed is best. Although seed may remain viable for up to 4 years, germination rates decrease dramatically in older seeds. Cuttings are difficult but are possible using single leaf fascicles with the base of a short shoot taken from very young trees. Pinus monticola has also been propagated using micropropagation techniques.

Use by People: Western White Pine was an important timber tree, particularly in northern Idaho and surrounding areas prior to the introduction of infected seedlings from Europe. (The rust disease had previously been introduced to Europe from Asia.) Many early pioneers were familiar with its eastern cousin, Eastern White Pine, Pinus strobus, and were happy to discover this larger relative. It is prized for its soft, easily worked, fine textured wood. It is good for moldings and window and door frames. Wooden matches were made from Western White Pine in the 1920’s and 30’s. Native Americans boiled the bark and used it medicinally for stomach aches, and tuberculosis; it was also applied on cuts and sores. The pitch was chewed like gum.

Whitebark Pine near Crater Lake in Oregon.

There are two other soft pines in or near our region. The Whitebark Pine, Pinus albicaulis is an alpine species commonly found in the Krummholz zone on the eastern crest of the Cascades, but a few grow in the rainshadow side of the Olympic peaks. The Sugar Pine, Pinus lambertiana found in southern Oregon and California has the longest cones of any American conifer, 10-26 inches (25-65cm) long!

Links:

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database

Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn

Subalpine Fir, Abies lasiocarpa

Subalpine Fir The Pine Family–Pinaceae

Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.

(AY-beez lay-zee-oh-CARP-uh)

Names: Subalpine Fir is often mistakenly called “Alpine Fir,” Since alpine, by definition refers to the area above the timberline, where no trees can live, this tree is more properly called Subalpine (or below the alpine). Lasiocarpa, means “rough fruit (or cones).”

Relationships: There are about 40 species of true firs in the world, 9 in North America. We have 4 in our region but only the Grand Fir, Abies grandis, is common in lower elevations.

Distribution of Subalpine Fir from USGS ( “Atlas of United States Trees” by Elbert L. Little, Jr. )

Distribution: It is widespread in British Columbia and the Rocky mountains reaching down to Arizona and New Mexico in isolated communities. In our region it is strictly found in the subalpine zone of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

The tall spire-like growth of Subalpine Fir is an adaptation to withstand heavy snowfall.

Growth: Subalpine Fir can reach 150 feet (45m) but usually only reaches 60 to 100 feet (18-30m). In its natural subalpine habitat, it is often dwarfed and may only grow 1 foot (30cm) in 15 years.

Habitat: Subalpine Fir is adapted to live most of the year under snow and in cold valleys. It can withstand cold air flowing down from large ice fields. This hardy tree may cling to life for 250 years.

Young Subalpine Fir trees will actually bend down under the snow and spring up again after the snow melts in summer.

Wetland designation: FACU, Facultative upland, it usually occurs in non-wetlands.

The bark of Subalpine Fir

Diagnostic Characters: The foliage of Subalpine Fir turns up along its branches, similar to Noble Fir, but the needles are shorter and tend to be bluish-green. The form of the tree is “spire-like,” very pointy and narrow, an adaptation that reduces the amount of snow that is able to build up on its branches.

In the Landscape: Subalpine Firs are very attractive growing in drifts in a simulated alpine setting or rock garden. In fact, entire picturesque clumps are sometimes dug in the wild to be transplanted into a garden or made into a bonsai. Although some trees are dug legally with a permit, it is still better to obtain nursery grown trees and train them yourself.

Phenology: Bloom Period: Late Spring to early summer. Cones mature mid-September. Seed dispersal begins in October.

Propagation: Subalpine Fir can be propagated from seed using the same procedures as for other firs. You may be able to filch a few seeds from a squirrel cache, but be judicious and leave plenty behind!

Use by people: As with other high elevation trees, the wood is not used much due to its relative inaccessibility.

Use by wildlife: Firs are useful to many animals for cover and nesting sites. Grouse eat the needles. Deer and elk eat the foliage and twigs in the winter. Birds, chipmunks and squirrels eat the seeds.

Links:

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database

Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn

Pacific Silver Fir, Abies amabilis

Pacific Silver Fir The Pine Family–Pinaceae

A mature Pacific Silver Fir in the Olympic National Forest.

Abies amabilis (Douglas ex Louden) Douglas ex Forbes

(AY-beez uh-MAA-bill-is)

Names : Pacific Silver Fir is also called “Lovely Fir.” In fact, the name “amabilis” means pretty or beautiful. It is also sometimes called Cascade or Red Fir.

Relationships: There are about 40 species of true firs in the world, 9 in North America. We have 4 in our region but only the Grand Fir, Abies grandis, is common in lower elevations..

Distribution of Pacific Silver Fir from USGS ( “Atlas of United States Trees” by Elbert L. Little, Jr. )

Distribution: Pacific Silver Fir is found from the coast of British Columbia and in the mountains of Washington and Oregon.

Growth: The tallest are just over 200 feet (60m), but most only grow to about 150’ (45m). The largest are mostly found in Olympic National Park and Vancouver Island. Pacific Silver Fir lives about 400 years.

A young sapling and the mottled bark of an older tree.

Habitat: Pacific Silver Fir is our most shade tolerant tree and is the climax species of the Pacific Silver Fir Ecological Zone, which lies between the Western Hemlock Zone and the Mountain Hemlock Zone. It grows in cool, moist rainforests and is sensitive to drought.

Wetland designation: FACU, Facultative upland, it usually occurs in non-wetlands.

The needle arrangement is similar to the fur on a dog’s tail.

Diagnostic Characters: Like Grand Fir, Pacific Silver Fir has needles that spread horizontally from the sides, but they have shorter needles on the top that point forward and lie flat against the twig. This gives each twig an appearance similar to hairs growing on a dog’s tail. (It can only be “petted” one way!”

In the Landscape: Lovely Fir is not as easy to grow in cultivation, but is worth a try in a suitable habitat!

Phenology: Bloom Period: Mid-May to mid-June. Cones mature in August; seed dispersal begins in mid-September.

Propagation: Seeds should be placed in cold moist stratification for 28 days. Germination occurs best at 30°C Day/20°C Night, alternating temperature cycle. Germination is greater in dark than in light.

Use by People: These trees are not highly valued for lumber, perhaps because the wood is not as resistant to decay and the tree’s relative inaccessibility at higher elevations.

Use by Wildlife: Firs are useful to many animals for cover and nesting sites. Grouse eat the needles. Deer and elk eat the foliage and twigs in the winter. Birds, chipmunks and squirrels eat the seeds.

Links:

Natural Resource Canada

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Virginia Tech ID Fact Sheet

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database

Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn

Noble Fir, Abies procera

Noble Fir The Pine Family–Pinaceae

Abies procera Rehder

(Ay-beez prah-SIR-uh or pro-KAY-ruh)

Names: The name “procera” means “tall.” Noble Fir lives up to both its names, being both tall and noble! It is the tallest of all true firs.

Relationships: There are about 40 species of true firs in the world, 9 in North America. We have 4 in our region but only the Grand Fir, Abies grandis, is common in lower elevations.

The distribution of Noble Fir from Silvics of North America.

Distribution: Noble Fir is found in southwest Washington, Oregon and northern California, mostly in the Cascade Mountains with some isolated populations in the coastal mountains of Oregon and the Willapa Hills of southwest Washington. Shasta Fir, Abies x shastensis, is a common hybrid of Noble Fir and California Red Fir, A. magnifica; found in southern Oregon and California.

Growth: One of the tallest known living trees, near Randle, Washington, was 278 feet (85m) tall but has been in decline since the area surrounding it was clear-cut in the 1960’s. Currently, it sits at the edge of a clear-cut and, having lost its top 50 feet (15m), is now only 227’ feet (69m) tall. Many of the tallest, including historical trees that have reached 325 feet, grow (or once grew) near Mt. St. Helens. Noble Fir typically reaches 135 to 210 feet (40-65m) and lives about 300-400 years.

Habitat: Noble Fir is often a pioneer tree on middle to upper elevation sites, establishing itself quickly after a disturbance. It can grow quickly and can even surpass Douglas Fir. It is, however, shade intolerant and eventually gives way to Pacific Silver Fir, Abies amabilis, or Western Hemlock. Its bluish-green needles give a forest of Noble Fir a much different appearance than one of Douglas Fir. Much of the blast zone on the way to Johnston Ridge near Mt. St.Helen’s was replanted with Noble Fir (see feature photo at top of page). It was planted at much lower elevations than normal due to the vast areas of land that were being replanted after the eruption, (Weyerhaeuser Co. planted 45,000 acres!) and to the fact that Douglas Fir seedlings were consequently in limited quantity.

Male cones and upward curving needles on Noble Fir

Diagnostic Characters: All firs are easily recognized by the smooth bark on young twigs and small, round leaf scars left by dropped needles. Older branches may be covered with resin blisters. Cones are borne upright in the tops of the trees. At maturity, the cones shed their scales while still on the tree; therefore it is rare to ever see an intact fir cone on the ground. A favorite Christmas tree, Noble Fir is easily recognized by upward curving needles that grow on opposite sides of a branch. Ornaments hang nicely from its open, symmetrically spaced branches.

In the Landscape: It makes a beautiful specimen tree in the landscape.

Female fir cones are borne at the very top of the trees.

Phenology: Bloom Period: May to Early July. Cones mature in mid-August; seed dispersal begins the end of September to the beginning of October.

Propagation: Stratify seed at 40ºF (4ºC) for 28 days. Fresh seed is best but seeds may be stored up to 5 years. Germination rate is often poor.

Use by people: The wood of Noble Fir is the strongest of the true firs and is suitable for light construction and pulping.

Noble Fir is a favorite Christmas tree species.

Care of Live Christmas Trees It is best to keep live Christmas trees outside. If you do bring one inside, try to limit the time kept inside to less than a week to prevent it from “breaking dormancy.” If a tree has been kept inside too long it will need to be kept in a cool, well-lit room until spring or when temperatures are less frigid. Keep the tree watered—do not allow it to dry out! Afterwards it may be planted at anytime! Loosen the root ball and/or prune circling roots. Keep watered in the summer until well established.–See Selecting a Christmas Tree on my sister website, habitathorticulturepnw.com !

Links:

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database

Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn

Grand Fir, Abies grandis

Grand Fir The Pine Family–Pinaceae

Abies grandis (Douglas ex D. Don) Lindl.

(Ay-beez GRAN-dis)

Names: Grand Fir is also sometimes called Lowland Fir because it is the only fir in our area commonly found in lower elevations

Relationships: There are about 40 species of true firs in the world, 9 in North America. We have 4 in our region but only the Grand Fir, Abies grandis, is common in lower elevations.

Distribution of Grand Fir from USGS ( “Atlas of United States Trees” by Elbert L. Little, Jr. )

Distribution: It is native from southern British Columbia along the coast to northern California. In Washington and northern Oregon, it spreads east to the Cascade Mountains. It is also found in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho and Montana.

Growth: The tallest known Grand Firs are just over 260 feet (80m). Many of the biggest are on the Olympic Peninsula. It typically only grows to 135’ to 180’ (40-55m) and is relatively short-lived, living less than 300 years. Grand Fir grows quickly when growing in the open, more slowly in the shade.

Habitat: It is shade tolerant but less so than Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar. It grows from moist river valleys to dry rainshadow forests.

Wetland designation: FACU-, Facultative upland, it usually occurs in non-wetland but is occasionally found in wetlands.

Older bark may be grooved.

Diagnostic Characters: All firs are easily recognized by the smooth bark on young twigs and small, round leaf scars left by dropped needles. Older branches may be covered with resin blisters. Cones are borne upright in the tops of the trees. At maturity, the cones shed their scales while still on the tree; therefore it is rare to ever see an intact fir cone on the ground. Grand Fir is most easily recognized by its long needles borne horizontally on opposite sides of the twigs. The entire branch will appear flattened so that it has distinct upper and lower sides. White Fir, Abies concolor, which is native to southern Oregon, California and much of the Southwest, has a similar appearance but has silvery, blue-green needles. They often will hybridize where they are found together.

Needles are “two-ranked” and twigs are smooth.

In the Landscape: When young, Grand Fir grows in a near perfect pyramidal, Christmas tree shape and is much fuller than its cousin, the Noble Fir, Abies procera. Its attractive shape and its lustrous green leaves make it a glorious addition to any landscape. Like most firs, it has a strong, balsamy, “Christmas tree” scent.

Phenology: Bloom Period: Late March to Mid-May, in June at higher elevations and inland. Cones mature in August to September; seeds are dispersed a month later.

A grand fir at the nursery.

Propagation: Stratify seed at 40ºF (4ºC) for 28 days. Fresh seed is best but seeds may be stored up to 5 years. Expect only about a 50% average germination rate. The greatest challenge is collecting the seeds when cones shatter at the top of the trees!

Use by People: These fast growing trees are not highly valued for lumber, perhaps because they are not as resistant to decay. The wood is lightweight and not very strong. It is used for paper pulping and other light-duty uses. Grand Fir makes an attractive Christmas tree.–See Selecting a Christmas Tree on my sister website, habitathorticulturepnw.com !

Links:

WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum

E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System

Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database