Common Name:

General Information

Abies fargesii is an evergreen tree with a long, narrow crown; it can grow up to 35 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be up to 150cm in diameter[].
The tree is commonly harvested from the wild for its timber, which is traded.
Being the most widespread of firs in the high mountains of western China, this species has been subject to extensive exploitation for its timber. The overall population is thought to be decreasing due to recent declines from logging and the ongoing effects of acid rain in some parts of its range. However, the plant still has a wide distribution and so it is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central China.

Habitat

Mixed and coniferous forests in mountains, sometimes forming pure stands, growing mainly in grey-brown mountain podzols; at elevations from 2,000 - 4,000 metres, but mainly at 3,400 - 3,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	28.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies fargesii is a plant of the cold, moist temperate zone, where it is found at elevations from 2,000 - 4,000 metres[]. Dormant trees are very cold tolerant, but young growth is susceptible to frost damage..
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant, especially 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[].
Young trees are very slow to establish because they are often damaged by late frosts, it is best to grow the young trees in high shade to get them through this time[, ].
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[].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood, if of high grade, is used in construction (mainly indoor flooring, framing and joinery), otherwise it is applied in the paper 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[].