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Latin Name:	Abies pindrow
Common Name:	West Himalayan fir
Family:	Pinaceae
Synonyms:	A. webbiana pindrow.
Known Hazards:	None known
	Author:  Royle.
Habit:      A Slow Growing Evergreen Tree
Habitat:  Generally found on northern aspects and in shady localities, forming forests at altitudes between 2000 - 3000 metres[145, 158].
Height:  30.0     Width:
Cultivation Details: Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[81]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[1]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[200]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[200]. This species is unsatisfactory in southeastern Britain due to damage by late frosts, trees rarely live more than 40 years and have a poor thin crown[185]. Trees grow far better in the cooler and wetter far north and west of the country[82, 185]. Another report says that it grows best in the milder areas of the country[11]. Young trees are very slow to establish because they are often damaged by late frosts, it is best to grow the young trees in high shade to get them through this time[1, 185]. Another report says that trees are late coming into growth and so usually escape late frost damage[11]. Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm in height. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[200]. Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200].
Propagation Notes: Seed - Sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March[78]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[78]. One report says that it is best to grow the seedlings on in the shade at a density of about 550 plants per square metre[78] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[80]. Stratification is said to produce a more even germination so it is probably best to sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[80, 113]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[113].
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