Common Name: Veitch Fir

General Information

Abies veitchii is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown; it can grow 15 - 20 metres tall with a straight, cylindrical bole[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is mainly used for pulp. The plant is also used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic products and is often grown as an ornamental[].
Despite being restricted to high elevations, the distribution and regeneration of this species appears to guarantee its survival. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Japan (Honshu, Shikoku)

Habitat

Montane to subalpine forests, where it often forms pure stands, growing on cool wet mountainsides on soils that are usually of volcanic origin, podzolic and well drained; at elevations from 1,200 - 2,800 metres[, , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies veitchii is a plant of the montane zone in Japan, where it is found at elevations from 1,200 - 2,800 metres. The climate is cool and wet, with annual precipitation between 1,000 - 2,500mm, and with cold, snowy winters; frequent typhoons cause destruction of the forest in most places before it reaches an age of 250 to 300 years[]. Trees are very hardy when dormant, but in areas with milder winters they are often excited into premature growth and are then susceptible to damage by late frosts[].
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[].
Not a long-lived tree, but it is relatively fast growing[, ]. Trees can put on new growth of 75cm two years after planting out and grow at up to 1 metre a year for the first 20 years or so of their life[]. Growth rapidly tails off at this age, however, and trees often die quite soon afterwards[].
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[].
The flowers are produced in axils of the previous year's shoots[]. Female flowers are produced relatively early in the life of the tree, usually by the time it is 6 metres tall[].
This species is sometimes grown as a 'Christmas tree'[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an astringent and humectant[].

Wood - strong, elastic. Used for construction, boxes, utensils, spindles etc[]. Of low grade, it is mainly used for the manufacture of paper 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[].