Subalpine Fir
Abies lasiocarpa
Often forms the upper tree line in mountain ecosystems.
Field reference
Family
Pinaceae
Growth rate
Slow
Mature size
60–100 ft tall, 20–30 ft spread
Hardiness zone
4-7
Soil preference
Cool, moist, acidic soils; prefers high-elevation sites
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Pruning window
Late winter
Wood properties
Light, soft, odorless wood used for lumber and pulp
Native range
Western North America from Alaska and Yukon south through the Rocky Mountains to Arizona and New Mexico
Green weight
45 lb/ft³
Common questions
Why is it called subalpine fir?
Subalpine fir commonly grows just below alpine treeline in mountainous regions of western North America.
Can subalpine fir tolerate heat?
No. Subalpine fir is adapted to cool mountain climates and generally declines in hot, low-elevation environments.
How fast does subalpine fir grow?
Subalpine fir is considered a slow-growing species, particularly at higher elevations.
What wildlife benefits from subalpine fir forests?
Subalpine fir forests provide habitat and cover for birds, deer, elk, and numerous mountain wildlife species.
What pests attack subalpine fir?
Balsam woolly adelgid, bark beetles, and various root disease pathogens can affect subalpine fir.
Related species in Pinaceae
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