Concolor (white) Fir

Concolor (white) Fir Coniferous
Abies concolor
Origin:
White fir is a tree that has been planted in Nebraska for some time. It is becoming more popular as an alternative to some of the pines that are beginning to show long-term problems.
Where To Grow

Size at Maturity
Tree Height | Tree Spread |
25-40' | 15-25' |
Tree Characteristics
Its leaves or needles are 2 to 3 inches long, silvery-blue to silvery-green, extending at nearly right angles from all sides of the twig. The upright cones are 2 to 5 inches long, oblong, olive-green to purple. The bark is 4 to 7 inches thick on old trunks, ashy gray and divided by deep irregular furrows.
Wildlife Benefits
The seed is eaten by squirrels and other rodents. Seedlings are often browsed extensively by deer. Porcupines will gnaw the bark, and grouse will feed on the buds and needles. Concolor fir makes good winter roosting trees for some upland birds.
Wood Utilization
White Fir is used as construction lumber and is commonly grouped together with other species of fir and hemlock and sold under the more generic label “HEM-FIR.”
Additional Considerations
White fir makes an excellent Christmas tree! It has a delightful aroma, retains its needles well after cutting, and has strong sturdy branches that hold their shape. Other species that tree collectors may want to try are the Korean and Canaan firs.
Interesting Facts
White fir is also called concolor fir using its Latin name. The Latin name, Abies concolor, means tall or rising tree with needles of one color.
References
- Tips for planting success
- NRCS Plant Guide
- Developed by Justin Evertson, Kyle Martens, and Denise Wally