We continue the conversation on Conifers with this week’s focus on Firs. The compelling reasons for all this dialogue to take place on evergreens in our landscape are two-fold:

1. Diversification: With all the concern regarding pine wilt, heat stress, drainage, and drought we need to explore more possibilities towards diversification of evergreens within our landscapes.

2. Human Habitat: We need protection from our constant winds and we also have this longing for some sign of life within the 4-5 months of winter that we, the people of the Great Plains, encounter.

Let’s explore the following:

Abies concolor – White Fir

• Considered by many to be the “Cadillac” of evergreens, the White Fir has wonderful texture, is bluish/gray in color, and has a very distinctive, beautiful form
• Fairly large in size at maturity and require good site placement
• Regarding preferred soil conditions… it’s rare we encounter a request for the soils to be less than “deep, well-drained, loamy, along with ample moisture being present,” as the typical profile, and such is the case here. Never the less, while this evergreen loves all the above, it is critical that the ample moisture portion be combined with good drainage
• Can withstand some heat, some drought, and endure a bit of stress along the way if necessary
• Fairly shallow root system
• Enjoys an appropriate layer of mulch – no more than 2 inches – as a means to conserve a bit of moisture and stabilize soil temps.

Abies homolepsis – Nikko Fir

• Although we’ve had limited experience with this plant, we suggest that where conditions are appropriate, this fir would be quite elegant.
• Native to central and southern Japan this glossy, green conifer prefers moist, well-drained loam – shocking – along with some coolness
• Where to plant: north and east exposures that offer bright, but less intense light for starters, and valleys or transitional areas where the coolness of a more secluded area exists.
• May not be readily available within the trade, but if a mass of requests surface it’s amazing how supply and demand respond

Firs promoted by the Nebraska Statewide Arboreteum’s, Great Plants for the Great Plains program

Canaan Fir – Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis

• Grows 30-40 ft. tall with a very manageable spread of 15-20 ft.
•  Adaptable to a broad range of soils, but by now I’m sure you know its preference.
• A North American native – named after the Canaan Valley of West Virginia
• Sports soft, showy, dark green needles
• A good balance on watering is critical to the success of this evergreen, making certain not to over water this particular species.

Korean Fir – Abies koreana

• Stunning violet cones
• More compact in size than many of the firs within this list – growing to around 25 ft. in height, with a 12-15 ft. spread.

Douglas Fir – Pseudotsuga menziesii  var. glauca

It is hard not to include Douglas Fir in our fir collection, but as the genus name of “Pseudo” implies there is a bit of an identity crisis within the taxonomic community on this evergreen. We have geographic considerations and seed source to consider with this selection. The variety ‘glauca’ is preferred because the seed source and geographic location are generally – with the key word being “generally” – of Rocky Mountain or Western origin.

So after sticking with us for three solid weeks on our journey of evergreen analysis, it may be easy to get lost in all the jargon and horticultural classification, but the most important thing to remember is that all this information exists. Remember to take the time to consider seeking out professionals and plant’s people whom understand the importance of origin, cultivar selection, site placement, cultural care, and many other considerations critical to the success of your landscape investment. So whether your space is in need of a fir, spruce, or pine, with the proper planning and research your new tree will out grow the rest!