Subalpine fir is an evergreen conifer in the pine family (Pinaceae) that is native to the Pacific Northwest. The Rocky Mountain subalpine fir is found in the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains from Alaska and Canade south to Colorado. It is sometimes listed as var. bifolia, but not all biologists recognize it as a separate variation as the differences are small. The Coast Range subalpine fir occurs in the mountains from Alaska south to California. The genus name is old Latin for tree. Subalpine fir is a medium to large tree with a narrow crown and short dense drooping branches. It will grow up to 100 feet tall and is fairly short-lived. It is best grown in a moist, cool climate as in the high altitude of the Pacific mountains. Subalpine fir will grow in full sun but is also shade-tolerant. It tends to lose its natural shape if grown in lower altitudes. The needles are blue-green to grey-green with stomal lines on both surfaces. The cones are purple to brown, barrel-shaped and held upright. The wood is soft and generally not used for building. Its best use is for its contributions to watershed function, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: See the fact sheet for potential insect problems to the left
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
No fruits but cones are produced. Cones are resinous, purple, burgundy, brown, or black. The cones are erect and 2 to 4 inches long. They disintegrate in the fall to release winged seeds.
Bark color
Light Gray
Bark detail
Young tree have smooth grayish bark that becomes rough and fissured with age
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Gray/Silver
Stem detail
The stiff stout twigs have sparse brown pubescence. The buds are tan to dark brown, rounded and resinous with triangular scales.