Mission to see Santa Lucia Fir (Abies bracteata)

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Chumono
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Does anyone know of easily accessed areas to see these trees in the wild? It seems like every road that leads to a known grove is washed out.. cone peak, no access; bottchers gap campground, closed…

The Monterey ranger district was unable to give me a solid answer on where to see these trees up close..

My wife and I are flying down to Monterey next week. The reason is that I’ve always wanted to see Santa Lucia firs. I’m desperate here.
 

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No firs yet. Some other rarish trees…

Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa
Bishop Pine Pinus muricata
Monterey Pine Pinus radiata

There are some very large Monterey cypresses along the coast that are inspirational in a bonsai sense. The shorter branchier ones are excellent to climb as they have soft spongy bark and a sinewy habit to the limbs..

The book in the photos is The Sibley Guide to Trees
 

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Mission Accomplished.
After a few cold calls and hours of searching, at last we found a Santa Lucia fir.
It may not be the most majestic example but I’m happy. The alternative was a 14 mile hike to see the big boys, which we were not prepared for.
Despite my willingness to climb for one, I could not find any cones. Kind of a shame really, since they are what this species is most known for…
 

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0soyoung

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Foliage and buds are remarkably similar to Douglas fir. Bark, well that is pretty smooth.
Cone is as unique as Douglas fir's (not a fir if fir no other reason than its cone dangles).

Seeing one of those bizarre Santa Lucia fir cones ....
... well, what do I need to say?
 

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Not my photo… As you can see, out of this world. They only grow at the very tip tops of the trees, more so it seems than other true firs.
The needles are similar in appearance to Doug firs but larger and very pointed at the tips. No notches. Sharp enough to penetrate skin, which makes it all the more difficult to climb a tree and get a cone…
 

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Mikecheck123

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Not my photo… As you can see, out of this world. They only grow at the very tip tops of the trees, more so it seems than other true firs.
The needles are similar in appearance to Doug firs but larger and very pointed at the tips. No notches. Sharp enough to penetrate skin, which makes it all the more difficult to climb a tree and get a cone…
Looks like a delicious pineapple.
 

Mikecheck123

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Not my photo… As you can see, out of this world. They only grow at the very tip tops of the trees, more so it seems than other true firs.
The needles are similar in appearance to Doug firs but larger and very pointed at the tips. No notches. Sharp enough to penetrate skin, which makes it all the more difficult to climb a tree and get a cone…
It took these people 4 years to find some seeds. So don't be discouraged that you couldn't do it in a weekend. :)

 

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Thanks for sharing. It’s interesting that they’re trying to grow the seedlings in such a different habitat. The horticulturalist talks about losing some and the “trial and error”. He sounds like a bonsai practitioner 🤣
 

Mikecheck123

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Thanks for sharing. It’s interesting that they’re trying to grow the seedlings in such a different habitat. The horticulturalist talks about losing some and the “trial and error”. He sounds like a bonsai practitioner 🤣
That was a little bit surprising to me as well and made me wonder about their experience and qualifications. Are these top notch scientists or enthusiastic volunteers?

Losing 5 out of 12 seems really high. Not rocket science! :)
 
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