Noble Fir
A magnificent tree worthy of its common name. Abies procera yields attractive blue foliage which stands out all year round. In Spring, it boasts stunning pink-red pollen cones, and in Autumn it bears gorgeous mid-sized cones which slowly break apart as the seed ripens.
Growing as a Christmas tree:
A good choice for a living Christmas tree as the foliage provides a refreshing citrus like scent, and can be pruned to shape to keep the size more manageable. This fir has attractive grey-green needles that tilt upwards and very strong branches, so is a good choice for hanging heavy decorations on. They are native of the forests of Washington and Oregon and were introduced into Britain in 1830. Their needle retention is among the best.
Site: Inland exposure tolerated
Soils: moist acidic soils
Position: Sun, tolerates partial shade when young
Season of Interest: Evergreen, cones
Hardiness: Hardy
Size: up to 50ft (15m) in approx 20 years