Common Name:

General Information

Abies sachalinensis is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown; it can grow up to 40 metres tall with a straight, cylindrical bole[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used locally and especially as a source of pulp. Various parts of the plant are used in commercial cosmetic preparations.
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East to northern Japan.

Habitat

Forms extensive forests on moist but well-drained soils; at elevations from the lowlands (where it can form pure stands) to elevations of 1,650 metres on moist mountain slope[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies sachalinensis is found in a cool to cold maritime climate in the temperate zone, growing at elevations up to 1,650 metres. It grows in areas with an abundant rainfall and cool, wet summers[]. The trees are very cold tolerant when dormant, but new growth often starts very early in spring, especially when the plant is grown in regions that are milder than its native habitat, and this young growth is very susceptible to damage by frost[, ].
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 can be very slow to establish, many trees being less than 90cm tall after 5 years[].
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 flowers are produced in axils of the previous year's shoots[].
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

Various parts of the plant yield essential oils and other compounds that are used as ingredients in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant and masking agents[].

Wood - light, soft, not very durable. Used for pulp, construction, boxes, ship building, water works, etc[, ]. Considered to be of low quality for carpentry and construction, it is mainly used for 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[].