Noble Fir
Abies procera
Noble Fir is a stately Pacific Northwest conifer with blue-green upswept needles and large upright cones. It is one of the most popular and long-lasting Christmas trees.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; consistent moisture, good drainage
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Got a plant like this?
Identify any plant from a photo, free.
Overview
Noble Fir (Abies procera) is a large, handsome true fir native to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. It is the tallest of the true firs, reaching 150 to 200 feet or more in old-growth forests, with a narrow, symmetrical crown.
It is instantly recognizable by its blue-green needles that curve upward off the twig, exposing the branch below, and by its very large, upright barrel-shaped cones.
Noble Fir is widely grown as a premium Christmas tree, valued for stiff, well-spaced branches and outstanding needle retention.
How to identify it
- Needles: Short (about 1 inch), blue-green, four-sided needles that twist and sweep upward, often hockey-stick shaped at the base
- Cones: Large, erect, barrel-shaped cones 4 to 7 inches long with conspicuous downward-pointing papery bracts; they disintegrate on the tree
- Bark: Gray-brown, smooth with resin blisters when young, becoming reddish and furrowed with age
- Habit: Tall, narrow, symmetrical conical crown
- Buds: Small, resinous
Care & growing
Best in cool, moist mountain-type climates with good drainage.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Consistent moisture; dislikes both drought and waterlogged soil
- Soil: Deep, moist, acidic, well-drained loam
- Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 5 to 6; intolerant of hot, humid summers
- Feeding: Light feeding in spring if growth is poor
- Propagation: From seed with cold stratification
Like other true firs, it performs poorly in hot, dry, or polluted lowland sites.
Habitat & origin
Noble Fir is native to the Cascade Range and Coast Ranges of Washington and Oregon, extending into northern California, where it grows at higher mountain elevations in cool, moist coniferous forests.
Beyond its native range it is widely cultivated in plantations, especially in the Pacific Northwest and northern Europe, primarily for the Christmas tree trade.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Noble Fir a good Christmas tree?
It has stiff, well-spaced branches that hold heavy ornaments, an attractive blue-green color, and superior needle retention, keeping fresh for weeks.
How is Noble Fir different from other firs?
Its needles sweep distinctly upward off the twig, and it bears unusually large upright cones with prominent downward-pointing bracts, the largest of the true firs.
How tall does Noble Fir grow?
In native forests it is the tallest true fir, reaching 150 to 200 feet or more, though landscape and plantation trees are far smaller.
Can Noble Fir grow in hot climates?
No. It is adapted to cool, moist mountain climates and does poorly in hot, dry, or humid lowland conditions.
Noble Fir guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Noble Fir.
