White Fir
Abies concolor
Learn about the white fir including when and why it was planted, how to identify it, and where to find it on campus.
Tree Facts
Family: Pinaceae
Type
Evergreen
Size
Large (greater than 50 feet)
Traits
- Blue-green needles whose bases look like tiny suction cups attached to the branches
- Cones grow upward from branches, rather than hanging down
- Pyramid-shaped, especially when young
- Susceptible to dwarf mistletoe and the fir engraver beetle
Native Range
- Southwest Oregon and California
Story of the Tree
Two white fir trees flank the front steps of the Legislative Building. They were planted in 2012 to replace the two original blue Colorado spruce trees that died.
If you look closely at their beautiful blue-green needles, you'll notice the underside of each leaf will reveal two blue and white bands. These are openings that allow the leaf to exchange gases with the atmosphere.
White firs thrive in full sun and well-drained soils. They are becoming more and more popular for Christmas trees due to their soft needles and excellent needle retention. These trees can grow between 80 and 200 feet in height.
