Common Name: Californian Red Fir

General Information

Abies magnifica is an evergreen tree with a long, narrow crown; it can grow up to 54 metres tall, occasionally to 60 metres or more. The bole is exceptionally straight and cylindrical[, ].
The tree can grow to large dimensions, with extremely straight boles. It has a high wood production per hectare even in natural, unmanaged stands. It is therefore increasingly valuable as a timber tree used for general construction and plywood. This species is also valued as a Christmas tree, both grown in natural stands and in plantations[]
This species has a large extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, large population size and absence of any overall decline. It is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-western N. America - southwest Oregon to California and western Nevada.

Habitat

Montane forests on dry slopes and ridges; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,700 metres[]. The best specimens are found in well-drained gravelly-loam soils on northern or eastern exposures with moist cool air[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	60.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies magnifica is a plant of montane regions in the temperate zone, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,700 metres. The climate is characterized by short, warm and dry summers with long, cold winters with much snow. Annual precipitation varies between 750 - 1,500mm (80 % as snow). Dormant trees are very cold hardy, though young growth is susceptible to frost damage.
Requires a cool position in a good moist but not water-logged soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. 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[, ].
A slow-growing and long-lived tree in the wild[], it is a very ornamental plant[] but can be short-lived in climates that are milder than its native habitat[].
The rate of growth is often not exceptional, an increment of 30cm per annum is considered good[]. Growth in girth, at least for the first 50 years is more rapid[].
This species produces prolific crops of seeds from about the age of 25 years. Heavy crops are produced every 2 - 3 years, alternating with years of low seed production[].
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[].
Trees are susceptible to damage by aphis[, ]. The branches are subject to wind breakage[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Wood - light, soft, fairly durable, not strong. Largely used for fuel, and occasionally for lumber, cases and pulp[, , , ].

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[].