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Abies Firma, a Heat-Tolerant Fir for North Carolina

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Japanese Fir JC Raulston ©

Japanese Fir
JC Raulston ©

Firs are striking, spire-like trees that we often associate with the mountains and northern climates. Southern landscapes are seldom graced with trees in the genus Abies because they cannot tolerate the heat and soils with poor drainage. However, one species, the Japanese fir, Abies firma, will thrive even in our hot, wet climate.

This fir is a native of Japan where it is known to grow to 150 feet. This conical-shaped tree has open branches and light emerald green foliage. Abies firma is an excellent way to introduce the beauty of a fir to a Southern garden. It is a slow grower but can achieve heights of 20 to 50 feet and a width of 40 feet with age. One of the unusual features of the tree is the 5-inch, yellow-green cones that are borne upright on the branches.

The name firma means strong, and indeed this is a tough plant. It performs well in heavy clay soils and is tolerant of a range of moisture conditions. It requires full sun to prosper. This tree will continue to thrive through the worst of hot, wet Southern summers. Specimen trees are reported doing well in arboreta in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina, including the JC Raulston Arboretum (JCRA) and The Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

Japanese Fir Bryce Lane ©

Japanese Fir
Bryce Lane ©

Experimentation using A. firma as rootstock has provided some interesting results. Abies pinsapo ‘Glauca’, blue Spanish fir, A. koreana, Korean fir and Fraser fir grafted to A. firma rootstock have proven to be outstanding specimens. These plants withstand the heat and bright sunlight while the roots carrying the characteristics of the Japanese fir were able to thrive in the heavy clay soils with resistance to Phytophthora root rot.

Abies firma will make an excellent evergreen specimen with a relaxed yet formal silhouette. Since it is irregular in form, it complements the appearance of other species and blends into mixed borders. Its stately elegance and good adaptability make it an excellent choice for North Carolina gardens.

Carl Matyac