23. Pacific Silver Fir

Specimen Size: 67.5ft tall, 15.75in in diameter.

Location: North center of Sieg Hall, south of the walking path between Sieg and Allen Library

Native

Historical Background: This fir does not have highly valuable wood for lumber as it is not resistant to decay. However, tribes in this region have used the boughs as floor bedding. Its pitch was also chewed as gum. Today, this tree's pulp is often used in papermaking.  

Native Range: Oregon Cascades to coastal B.C., rare in the Oregon Coast ranges and above 1000 feet in the southern end of its range, down to sea level in Canada.

Identifying Features: The Pacific Silver fir exhibits a luscious dark green on the top of its notch tipped needles, but the bottom, with its two or more stomatal bands, is an distinctive milky green. The difference between the two sides is intense and may be used as a hint regarding the trees identity when comparing it with other firs.  Fully grown trees of this species are tall and dense. As with other firs, the branches and new growth odient in cruciform growing pattern (sets of 3). Needles grow on all sides of the Pacific silver fir, but the bottom needles grow out horizontally and towards the tip, making it appear at first glance as though there is a 3 sided leafing pattern. Needles on the top of the branch grow forward and lie against it.

Identifying Features In Depth:

1. Form: Growth to a height of 180” (55m) with high apical control in a conical to cylindrical shape, with dense foliage and symmetrical pattern.

2. Leaves: Flat evergreen needles with notched tips and a grooved top, dark luscious green on top, light in color on bottom with 2 or more stomatal bands. Needles form flattened along the branches, with needles on the bottom curving out horizontally on the side like those of a grand fir and those on top laying against the branch pointed forward.

3. Bark: Bark begins whitish gray and smooth, with small resin bubbles. As it ages it becomes scaly.

4. Reproductive Bodies: Male pollen cones are reddish, seed cones are erect and shaped like a barrel, often dark purple in color. They fall apart while still standing on the tree releasing long winged seeds. Cones are 3-5’ (8-12cm) long.