ALPINE FIR
Abies lasiocarpa

• also know as Subalpine Fir, White Balsam Fir
• often mistaken for balsam (fir) which is an eastern species
• 'abies' is from the Latin 'abeo' which means "rising" referring to the great height these trees can reach
• "fir" is from 'fuhr' the old English word for 'fire' denoting the tree's use as firewood

UNIQUE FEATURES:

• does not live long (120 to 140 years); is susceptible to different fungus
• the lichens that are found on the lower branches are food for caribou

LOCATION:

• high elevations but near sea level on the north coast
• throughout most of the interior of the province
• no true firs exist on the Queen Charlotte Islands

SIZE:

• usually 20 to 35 metres but can reach up to 50 metres in height

CONES:

• deep purple, lighter colour as they age, cylindrical
• grow upright on branches in upper levels of the tree
• disintegrate on the tree to release their seeds
• pollen cones: bluish colour

NEEDLES:

• appear to be blown upward on the branches
• blunt and notched at the tip
• blue-green with white bands on the upper and lower surfaces

BARK:

• smooth, grey, blistered
• becoming scaly as the tree ages

USES:

• modern - lumber, plywood, veneers, boxes, pulp
• traditional - wood, bark, boughs: roof shingles, bark baskets, bedding; seeds - eaten; pitch - coating canoe seams, rubbing on bow strings, medicine; rotten wood - smudge fires for tanning hides