First documented by David Douglas (1799–1834) and introduced in 1830, its species epithet means ‘lovely’. Sometimes known as Red Fir.

Native to Pacific coastal regions of Canada and the USA, from south-east Alaska, through Washington and Oregon, to California. An occasional specimen in botanic gardens.

Monoecious. Grows naturally in mountain regions under a maritime climate, up to high altitude (2,300m asl) where it is well-adapted to heavy snowfall, but where wildfires are infrequent.

Very tall (50m, exceptionally 60m) and slender, spire-shaped unless old, with short downward-pointing branches. Bark pale grey with many blisters, becoming scaly. Foliage in two ranks, pointing up above and flatter below. Needles dark green, glossy, 4cm, with two pale bands beneath. Cones upright, 15cm, at the very top.

Needs moisture to thrive, and is sensitive to drought and exposure. Can tolerate heavy shade, which together with its productivity has recently made it a species of interest for foresters wanting to diversity conifer plantations or adopt continuous cover forestry.

No notable associations where introduced.

Very sensitive to fire. In its native range, Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges piceae) and dwarf mistletoes are both damaging agents.

Native American people once chewed its resin as a gum. In North America its timber is mostly used as a pulpwood, while it is also grown as a Christmas tree.