21. Pindrow Fir

Pinaceae

Abies pindrow

Also called West Himilayan Fir

Specimen Size: 82.4ft tall, 19in in diameter.

Location: The Southeast edge of Sieg Hall on the East side of the building is home to two of these large conifers.

Historical Background: Pindrow is a native vernacular name originating from its Nepalese name. In its native region, extracts from the foliage are used medicinally to treat inflammation. Its wood is also used for interior construction and box-making.

Non-native

Native Range: Himalayan Mountains, Afghanistan, Nepal

Identifying Features light: In fir form that we have already become familiar with on this tour, the Pindrow Fir exhibits the cruciform growing pattern and generally flat ended notch tipped needles. The tree grows to a height of up to 200’ (60m) with a conical crown of horizontal branches. The needles are longer than that of most other fir, up to 3.5” (9cm) long, and are arranged spirally but lie flat so as to grow horizontally out either side. Like in other firs, the cones, which are purplish, remain on the tree until they mature then shatter releasing seeds.

Identifying Features In Depth (for app):

Form: A large evergreen with horizontal to slightly droopy branches and a conical crown growing to between 130-200’ (40-60m), with a trunk up to 8’ (2.5m).
Leaves: Leaves are a glossy dark green and have two stomatal bands on the underside. They initiate spirally upon the branch but are flattened horizontally off either side so that they appear like that of the grand fir.
Bark: Reddish gray, furrowed and scaly when older, lighter and smooth when young.
Reproductive Bodies: Cones, cylindrical, remaining on the tree 5.5” (14cm) tall, a deep purplish.

Native range of Abies pindrow in the western Himilayan Mountains, map compiled by Assad et al.

Below is the description found for this species on the original Brockman Memorial Tree Tour:

Historic Tree Tour Information: A pair of lush, symmetric, dark firs mark one end of Sieg Hall. The needles of this Himalayan evergreen are flat, long, but not sharp, fragrant, and both densely borne and long persisting. Three- to five-inch (7.6- to 12.7-centimeter) cones perch at the tops of the trees then disintegrate when mature in late summer or fall. Pindrow is a native vernacular name originating from its Nepalese name.The wood of the Pindrow Fir is light, soft and not durable, so its uses are restricted to things like house interiors and furniture. These firs are shade tolerant and prefer moist but not water-logged soils. They grow well in heavy clay soils, and they are sensitive to frost, especially as seedlings.