Aptly named, Noble Fir is the largest true fir. Uncommon in north-west European forests despite cultivation since its 1830 introduction to Britain, following David Douglas’s (1799-1834) collection near the Columbia River. More often seen in parks and large gardens. Also called Red Fir. Seeds survived Mount St Helens’ 1980 eruption under snow, though a 99m veteran perished.
Native to the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon in North America, where it often hybridises with Californian Red Fir (Abies magnifica). Grows up to high altitudes (600–1,500m asl) and along exposed ridges.
Monoecious, with female cones high in the upper crown. In natural forest systems, this is a pioneer species.
Tall (55m). Bark silver-grey with long fissures; the stem barely tapers. Blue-green foliage smells mildly of onions, dense along shoots, brush-like at tips. Needles in ranks, flat above with a parting below, many curling in an ‘S’. They are flat in profile (not rollable), with two pale stripes beneath, rounded tips, often bent at the base. Cones purple-brown, large (to 25cm).
Like other true firs, slow to establish, taking a decade to reach about 1m, then fast-growing and productive. Very resilient and unusually windfirm, staying upright when exposed. Only moderately shade-tolerant and quite fire-prone. Thrives in high-rainfall western Britain, Ireland and Europe; on drier sites it can suffer drought crack.
A hardy species that grows where most other conifers struggle, and can regenerate prolifically after fire or other major disturbances.
Relatively free from serious pests or pathogens, although it is highly palatable to deer. Neonectria canker is a relatively recent reported disease affecting all true firs. A warming climate will restrict its range further in Britain and Ireland.
Close-grained, light and strong timber that flexes greatly before breaking, once used in aeroplanes and ladders, though it splits during milling and is non-durable; its poor reputation is unjustified. A popular Christmas tree in North America and parts of Europe for its dense, fragrant foliage. A glaucous form is prized for specimens and floristry.
