Different Types of Fir Trees
Fir trees are coniferous trees which make up the genus Abies. There is actually a diverse range of fir tree types, but they all have similar characteristics, especially the fact they are evergreen. This is one of the reasons they are most associated with Christmastime since a Christmas fir will still be green and lush even in the cold winter months. The name fir comes from the Latin meaning ‘to rise’, a reference to the great heights they can reach in the right conditions. thedailyECO helps you learn more by sharing these 10 different types of fir trees with photos.
- Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa)
- Grand fir (Abies grandis)
- Korean fir (Abies koreana)
- Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
- Oyamel (Abies religiosa)
- European silver fir fir (Abies alba)
- Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis)
- Pindrow fir (Abies pindrow)
- Red fir (Abies magnifica)
- Bulgarian fir (Abies × borisii-regis)
Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa)
Also known as the Rocky Mountain fir, the subalpine fir is native to western North America. It grows at high altitudes and is relatively short for a fir tree at about 66 ft (20 m) in height. However there are some individuals which have reached over 150 ft (46 m). It is very resistant to frost, evergreen and has a conical shape. Its needles tend to be bluish with whitish. The substrate must be rich in organic matter and allow good drainage.
Grand fir (Abies grandis)
The grand fir has many other names, including the giant fir, lowland white fir or Vancouver fir, among others. The latter name references the fact it is abundant in British Columbia, Canada, but its range reaches as far down as Northern California. It can grow over 260 ft (80 m) when mature.
The long branches of the grand fir grow horizontally with the tips pointing upwards. The leaves are green with white undersides. You can see the white tinges of its needles in the photo below. It is fast growing and can grow up to one and a half metres when young. It has been used in the past as traditional medicine by various Native American populations.
Korean fir (Abies koreana)
Not all the different types of fir tree can be found in the Americas. The Korean fir is a beautiful medium-green tree which is native to Asia. Its branches that are easy to prune and there are artisan gardeners in Korea who prune them to create beautiful topiaries. These beautiful specimens can be of various shapes, including completely bushy round spheres. Its growth is slow, helping to ensure the whimsical shapes specialists give them can be well maintained.
Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
While many of the different types of fir tree are used as Christmas trees, the balsam fir is particularly popular for this purpose. Its very pointed top means it is easy to place a star, angel or similar topper on it without them falling off. You can see its characteristic long cones in the photo below.
When used as a Christmas tree, it is best to spray its needles and branches regularly so that they do not lose moisture. Some also place them in a container with water when they have already been cut and removed from their place of origin to maintain humidity. This helps prevent the needles from dropping which can make a mess.
Discover the different types of pine trees in our related guide.
Oyamel (Abies religiosa)
Also known as the scared fir, the oyamel fir is a type of fir tree native to Mexico, specifically from the states of Oaxaca, Michoacán and Mexico. It is also found in Colima, although to a lesser extent. This conifer also grows in Guatemala. Its climate must be cool, with a well-ventilated substrate and with plenty of hours of sunlight. It does not matter if it is direct or indirect.
European silver fir fir (Abies alba)
Also known simply as the silver fir, the European silver fir is native to Europe. It is one of the largest types of fir tree, as it can reach 200 ft (60 m) in height. Its lower part is devoid of branches, up to about 20 ft (6 m). It flowers in April with male and female cones. The photo depicts a silver fir in winter with its needles covered in snow.
The silver fir can grow well in an outdoor garden, as it is hardy and not very demanding. All you need to do is provide it with semi-shade and a cool environment, as well as a little water every two weeks. Doing so means you can create your own Christmas tree that can accompany you all year round.
If you want to learn about other types of trees native to Europe, take a look at our guide to the different types of Spanish tree.
Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis)
Also known as the lovely fir, red fir, amabilis fir and other names, the Pacific fir is a beautiful tree with a rather irregular shape. It requires a cool, humid climate to develop well. When it is young, it requires more water than normal, especially if the area where it is planted is somewhat dry. It also requires a little more water during its flowering period. As with all other types of firs, we must consider that in the future the tree will grow too very tall, so it must have enough space for its growth without suffering from overcrowding and lack of oxygen.
Learn more about a plant's ability to flower with our article on the difference between angiosperm and gymnosperm plants.
Pindrow fir (Abies pindrow)
Also known as the West Himalayan fir, the pindrow fir is a species endemic to the Himalayas and grows in and area ranging from India to Nepal and Afghanistan. It is a large tree that can reach more than 164 ft (50 m) in height, with a conical crown and a straight trunk covered with grayish bark.
Red fir (Abies magnifica)
Also known as the silvertip fir, the red fir shares a common name with some other types of fir tree. For this reason, many different types of fir are easily confused. This red fir is also one of the most used Christmas trees due to perfectly triangular shape. It also maintains great resistance after being cut and has a spectacular aroma. It grows in the mountains of Oregon and California and in Canada. It should not be confused with the European red fir.
Bulgarian fir (Abies × borisii-regis)
The Bulgarian fir is a popular but rare tree found in Bulgaria, Scotland, England, Greece, Serbia and Albania. It is named in honor of Tsar Boris III of Bulgaria. It has thin needles that are usually pointed on top, with bluish-white parts on the underside.
You may be wondering why we have left the Douglas fir off our list, but this common name is a misnomer. The Douglas fir is not actually a fir tree at all, but a conifer of the genus Pseudotsuga. If you want to learn more about other different types of trees more generally, check out our related guide.
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- Barres, J. M. (2023). The biosphere. Spain: Parramón Paidotribo.
- Lanner, R. M., & Krugman, S.L. (1963). Abies: A Bibliography of Literature for Tree Improvement Workers. United States: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture.