| Latin Name: | Abies amabilis |
| Common Name: | Red fir |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Synonyms: | |
| Known Hazards: | None known |
|
Author: Douglas. ex Forbes.
|
| Habit: A Slow Growing Evergreen Tree |
| Habitat: High mountain slopes and benches, going down to sea-level in the north of its range[82]. The best specimens grow in deep moist soils and cool wet air conditions such as fog belts[229]. |
| Height: 30.0 Width: 5.0 |
Cultivation Details:
Requires a good moist but not water-logged soil in a sheltered position[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant[11, 81] 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]. Trees are somewhat shallow rooted and are therefore susceptible to strong winds[229].
Grows best in the Perthshire valleys of Scotland[11]. It does very well on glacial morraines in Scotland[81]. When grown in an open position, the tree clothes itself to the ground with gracefully drooping branches, though on the whole, this species does not grow well in Britain[11]. Trees have been of variable growth in this country and seem to be short-lived[185]. The best and fastest growing specimens are to be found in the north and far west of the country[185]. Growth in girth can be very quick, 1.8 metres in 35 years has been recorded[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].
The crushed leaves have an odour like orange peel[11].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200].
This species is often confused with A. nordmanniana[11].
A very ornamental plant[1]. Trees are sometimes grown as 'Christmas trees'[200].
Plants are susceptible to injury by aphis[11].
|
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].
|
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
Click on the logo below to visit their great site!
Or view their bibliography
|
