Alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa, N. Amer. Sylv. 3: 138 (1849))

Family: Pinaceae

Author: (Hook.) Nutt.

Bibliography: N. Amer. Sylv. 3: 138 (1849)

Year: 1849

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Abies

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Alaska to W. U.S.A. and New Mexico

Description

The Alpine fir, scientifically known as Abies lasiocarpa, is an evergreen coniferous tree belonging to the Pinaceae family. This majestic species thrives predominantly in the high-altitude regions, stretching from Alaska down through the western United States and reaching as far south as New Mexico. It was first documented in 1849, with its formal description penned by the noted botanist Thomas Nuttall, enhancing the rich legacy of North American sylva.

Known for its stunning presence in subalpine and montane ecosystems, the Alpine fir is often found gracing the rugged, mountainous terrains where it contributes significantly to the landscape’s natural beauty and ecology. Characterized by its tall, slender form, the tree can reach impressive heights, often between 30 to 60 feet, although some specimens can grow even taller under favorable conditions.

The Alpine fir’s distinctive pyramidal shape, coupled with its dense, silvery-green foliage, makes it easily recognizable. Its needles, typically around an inch long, are soft to the touch and emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed, a typical trait shared among many fir species. During the winter months, the snow-laden branches of Abies lasiocarpa form a picturesque scene, enhancing its allure as a symbol of natural resilience and serenity.

This species is also notable for its robust, yet relatively shallow root system, which enables it to anchor firmly into rocky, well-drained soils often found in its native habitats. In terms of ecological importance, the Alpine fir plays a crucial role in providing shelter and food for a variety of wildlife. Birds, in particular, find refuge among its boughs, while small mammals may rely on its seeds for sustenance.

In addition to its ecological significance, Abies lasiocarpa is valued by humans for both practical and ornamental purposes. Its timber, though not widely used commercially due to its limited size and higher altitude growth regions, is occasionally harvested for local construction and fuel. More commonly, the Alpine fir is cherished for its aesthetic qualities, making it a popular choice for landscape gardening and festive decorations, especially as a Christmas tree.

In conclusion, the Alpine fir, Abies lasiocarpa, stands as a testament to nature’s adaptability and beauty. From its resilient growth in the high-altitude environments of North America to its role in supporting local wildlife, this tree exemplifies the intricate connections within forest ecosystems and the timeless allure of coniferous trees.

Common Names

Ita: abete delle rocce, abete lasiocarpo
Nld: alpen zilverspar
Eng: alpine fir, rocky mountain fir, subalpine fir, western balsam fir, white balsam, balsam fir, alpine fur
Deu: felsengebirgs-tanne
Nor: fjelledelgran
Dan: klippe-ædelgran
Hun: sziklás-hegységi jegenyefenyo
Swe: berggran, korkgran
Spa: pino real blanco de las sierras
Fra: sapin concolore, sapin subalpin, sapin de montagne
Rus: пихта шершавплодная (pikhta shershavplodnaya)
Zho: 落蒺山冷杉 (luo ji shan leng shan)
En: Alpine fir, Subalpine fir, Vó’komêšéstótó’e, Rocky Mountain fir, Western balsam fir, White balsam, Balsam fir, Alpine Fur
Ar: شوح أزغب الثمار
Bg: Субалпийска ела
Ca: Avet subalpí
Zh: 高山冷杉, 落蒺山冷杉 (luo ji shan leng shan)
Cs: Jedle plstnatoplodá
Da: Klippe-Ædelgran
Nl: Alpen zilverspar
Eo: Rokmontara abio
Et: Mäginulg
Fi: Lännenpihta
Fr: Sapin concolore, Sapin subalpin, Sapin de montagne
De: Felsengebirgs-Tanne, Korksilbertanne
He: אשוח תת-אלפיני
Hu: Sziklás-hegységi jegenyefenyo
Is: Fjallaþinur
It: Abete lasiocarpo, Abete delle rocce
Lv: Piealpu baltegle
Lt: Subalpinis kėnis
No: Fjelledelgran
Fa: نراد کوهپایه‌ای
Pl: Jodła górska
Ru: Пихта шершавоплодная, Пихта шершавплодная (pikhta shershavplodnaya)
Es: Pino real blanco de las sierras
Sv: Berggran, Korkgran

Synonyms

• Abies grandis var. lasiocarpa ((Hook.) Lavallée)
• Abies concolor var. lasiocarpa ((Hook.) Beissn.)
• Pinus lasiocarpa (Hook.)
• Abies balsamea subsp. lasiocarpa ((Hook.) B.Boivin)
• Picea lasiocarpa ((Hook.) A.Murray bis)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Iceland (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 6, 2007 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2007 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2007 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2007 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by)

Leaf

Taken Jul 25, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by F. Alexander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2019 by Nacim Ammenouche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerry from Fort St. John, BC, Canada (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bryan Ungard from Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Trojan (public)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2007 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − quinn.anya on Flickr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 9, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2685313)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1081948-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth