European Silver Fir (Abies alba)
The True or Silver fir is the most demanding conifer in our woods and forests. The deep tap roots require deep, good-quality soil, moderately moist subsoil, a mild climate and plenty of shade. The trunk of the Silver Fir can measure up to 2m in diameter.
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Appearance
The True or Silver fir is the most demanding conifer in our woods and forests. The deep tap roots require deep, good-quality soil, moderately moist subsoil, a mild climate and plenty of shade. The trunk of the Silver Fir can measure up to 2m in diameter.
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Leaves
Linear flattened needles, up to 6cm long, 0.2-0.3 cm wide, with two white bands of stomata below. Dark green above, light green below. Needles arranged like the teeth of a comb.
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Leaf upperside
Linear flattened needles, up to 6cm long, 0.2-0.3 cm wide, with two white bands of stomata below. Dark green above, light green below. Needles arranged like the teeth of a comb.
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Leaf underside
Linear flattened needles, up to 6cm long, 0.2-0.3 cm wide, with two white bands of stomata below. Dark green above, light green below. Needles arranged like the teeth of a comb.
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Fruits
Dark brown cones, greenish when immature, 10-16cm long, cylindrical, upright, 2.5-5.0cm wide; protruding bracts, folded back with long tip; seeds are large, three-sided, yellowish with wedge-shaped reddish wings.
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Bark
Bark is pale or sliver grey, smooth in youth, with shallow furrows when aged, occasionally peels off.
Application
Open country, afforestation, soil improvement, forage for honey-bees, parks, honeydew, pollen (allergy)
Native regions
Central and southern Germany, Europe, Central and Northern Europe
Location parameters
Light: sunny to shady, temperature: warm to cool, soil: dry to moist, soil structure: firm to normal, soil depth: medium to deep, humus concentration: medium to high, soil quality: medium
Demands
Very demanding requirements, legendary endurance of shade, sensitive to late frosts, dryness and atmospheric pollutants
Growth
Height of growth: 20m to 30m, growth habit: horizontal, compact crown, good stem-builder, continuous stem.
Leaves
Linear flattened needles, up to 6cm long, 0.2-0.3 cm wide, with two white bands of stomata below. Dark green above, light green below. Needles arranged like the teeth of a comb.
Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, inconspicuous monoecious flower; only appears in the upper part of the crown, on the previous year's branches; male flowers are pendent and borne singly in the V of the upper needles; the female flowers are upright, appearing at the ends of the shoots, egg-shaped.
Fruits
Dark brown cones, greenish when immature, 10-16cm long, cylindrical, upright, 2.5-5.0cm wide; protruding bracts, folded back with long tip; seeds are large, three-sided, yellowish with wedge-shaped reddish wings.
Bark
Bark is pale or sliver grey, smooth in youth, with shallow furrows when aged, occasionally peels off.
Roots
Deep-rooting, taprooted