This species is often confused with Abies nordmanniana[].

Common Name: Red Fir

General Information

Abies amabilis is an evergreen tree with a long, narrow crown; it can grow from 30 - 70 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 90 - 110cm in diameter[].
A very ornamental plant, it is sometimes grown as a 'Christmas tree'[].
Abies amabilis has a very large extent of occurrence and occurs as many millions of mature individuals, despite historical reduction due to unsustainable logging in the past. It regenerates well after disturbance, including clear-felling and on other sites, e.g. After retreating glaciers. Fires and pathogens are a threat but their effect is mostly local. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The oleoresin (Canada balsam) is reported to produce dermatitis when applied as perfume[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N. America - western Coastal regions from southeast Alaska south to northern California

Habitat

High mountain slopes and benches, going down to sea-level in the north of its range[]. The best specimens grow in deep moist soils and cool wet air conditions such as fog belts[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies amabilis is a plant of the moist temperate zone, occurring from sea level near the coast to an elevation of 330 metres in the north of its range and from 250 - 1,830 metres in the south. The climate is extremely wet maritime, with 1,500 to 6,000 mm annual precipitation, much of it as snow[, ]. Plants can tolerate temperatures down to around -35°c, though young growth can be damaged at -5°c[].
Requires a good moist but not water-logged soil in a sheltered position[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant when young[, ] but growth is slower in dense shade[]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[]. Trees are somewhat shallow rooted and are therefore susceptible to strong winds[].
When grown in an open position, the tree clothes itself to the ground with gracefully drooping branches[].
Trees can live for 400 - 500 years when growing on good sites[].
This species often does not grow well in Britain, where trees have been of variable growth and seem to be short-lived[, ]. The best and fastest growing specimens are to be found in the north and far west of the country[]. Growth in girth can be very quick, 1.8 metres in 35 years has been recorded[].
Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm in height. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[].
The crushed leaves have an odour like orange peel[].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[].
Plants are susceptible to injury by aphis[].

Edible Uses

Young shoot tips are used as a substitute for tea[, ].

The pitch obtained from the bark can be hardened (probably by immersing it in cold water[]) and used as a chewing gum[].

Inner bark[]. No further information is given, but inner bark can be dried, ground into a powder and then used with grain flours etc to make bread and other preparations[].

Medicinal

This plant was used quite widely by native North American Indians. An infusion of the bark was used as a tonic and to treat stomach ailments, TB, haemorrhoids and various minor complaints[]. The pitch, or resin, was also used to treat colds, sore throats etc[].

The bark of this tree contains blisters that are filled with a resin called 'Canadian Balsam'[]. Although the report does not mention the uses of this resin, it can almost certainly be used in the same ways as the resin of A. balsamea, as detailed below:-
The resin obtained from this tree (see 'Uses notes' below) has been used throughout the world and is a very effective antiseptic and healing agent. It is used as a healing and analgesic protective covering for burns, bruises, wounds and sores[, , ]. It is also used to treat sore nipples[] and is said to be one of the best curatives for a sore throat[].
The resin is also antiscorbutic, diuretic, stimulant and tonic[, , ]. It is used internally in propriety mixtures to treat coughs and diarrhoea, though taken in excess it is purgative[].
A warm liquid of the gummy sap was drunk as a treatment for gonorrhoea[].
A tea made from the leaves is antiscorbutic[, ]. It is used in the treatment of coughs, colds and fevers[]. The leaves and young shoots are best harvested in the spring and dried for later use[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is planted for erosion control and also to provide shelter, though it is unsuitable for this in the more windy sites[].

Other Uses

The boughs are fragrant and can be hung in the home as an air freshener[].

This tree yields the resin 'Canadian Balsam'[]. The report does not mention the uses of this balsam, but the following are the ways that it is used when obtained from A. balsamea:-
The balsamic resin 'Balm of Gilead'[, ] or 'Canada Balsam' according to other reports[, , ] is obtained during July and August from blisters in the bark or by cutting pockets in the wood[]. Another report says that it is a turpentine[]. It is used medicinally and in dentistry, also in the manufacture of glues, candles and as a cement for microscopes and slides - it has a high refractive index resembling that of glass[, , , , , , ]. The average yield is about 8 - 10 oz per tree[]. The resin is also a fixative in soaps and perfumery[, ].

Wood - soft, light in weight, not strong, close grained, not very durable. It is used for framing small buildings but is not strong enough for larger buildings. It is also used for crates, pulp etc[, , , , , ]. In the timber industry no distinction is made between this species and Western Hemlock as both conifers have similar wood properties. This wood is in use for various construction applications such as plywood, veneer, sub-flooring and sheathing. It contains little or no resin and is light in colour and easily worked. Together with Western Hemlock, substantial quantities of wood go to the kraft pulp industry[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse or outdoors in early spring[]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[]. Stratification is said to produce a more even germination so it is probably best to sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[, ]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Alternatively, if you have sufficient seed, it is possible to sow in an outdoor seedbed. One report says that it is best to grow the seedlings on in the shade at a density of about 550 plants per square metre[] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[].