| Latin Name: | Abies religiosa |
| Common Name: | Sacred fir |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Synonyms: | A. hirtella. Pinus religiosa. |
| Known Hazards: | None known |
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Author: (H.B.K.)Schldl.&Cham.
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| Habit: A Fast Growing Evergreen Tree |
| Habitat: Mountains of N.W. Mexico at elevations of 2400 - 3000 metres[11]. |
| Height: 40.0 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]. Requires a sheltered position, trees are susceptible to wind damage[11].
Trees are tender in most parts of Britain[1, 11], they tolerate temperatures down to about -5 to -10°c[200]. There are trees in Kent and Hampshire that are 12 metres tall[11]. Grows best in the Perthshire valleys of Scotland and other areas with cool wet summers[11]. Growth from young trees has proved to be very vigorous in Britain, 60cm in its first year has been recorded and 70 cm in its third year from seed[185]. New growth takes place mainly between July and October[185].
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].
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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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