Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) aka lovely fir

[Cruiser]

“Lovely” might be a stretch for this particular tree.

Collected early November 2023 in the Cascade Range. 5020’ elevation.
Warm and wet conditions. No snow.

On a ridge top, slight northern aspect. Located in partial shade from another large fir. Growing in well drained, pumice-rich soil.



Tree displays a broken top and flowing dead branches.
There appears to be evidence of beetles. Galleries beneath the bark would be a neat feature.



Minor amount of growth low on the trunk. If it survives, this could be useful down the road.


Digging was effortless. The tree came out easily with a fair amount of roots.


Planted in 18” wooden box. 1/4” wire mesh stapled in below.


Substrate is a mix of native soil and collected pumice.


Tree placed in partial shade. The plan is to keep it there through this winter and summer of ‘24.

 

[czaczaja]

Awesome specimen but would greatly improve with some root flare. Looking forward to seeing some responses from more experienced folks.

 

[Cruiser]

Awesome specimen but would greatly improve with some root flare. Looking forward to seeing some responses from more experienced folks.

Thanks. It actually has some decent root flare, but it was buried to help protect surface roots.
I’ll share a pic tomorrow.

 

[Cruiser]

Nebari tax.

Silver fir often develops shallow, spreading roots.


The tree started layering an inch above the nebari.

 

[czaczaja]

Nebari tax.

Silver fir often develops shallow, spreading roots.
View attachment 517070
View attachment 517071
New roots emerged an inch above the nebari.

Much better

 

[pandacular]

Wow, those are some GORGEOUS roots! Look forward to seeing this tree getting styled in a few years. I’m very interested in seeing more of our PNW native conifers as bonsai. I got a mountain hemlock yesterday, and am keeping my eye out for any nice collected Abies.

 

[Cruiser]

Much better

The nebari will likely remain buried until fall of next year or Spring ‘25.

 

[czaczaja]

The nebari will likely remain buried until fall of next year or Spring ‘25.

I'll set an alarm

 

[Bavarian Raven]

One of my fav trees around here - but the flat foilage makes it a bit tricky imho.

 

[PowerTap]

Do you collect in the fall because it would be mid summer before the snow melts?

 

[Cruiser]

I also collect in Spring and Summer. The timing has more to do with opportunity and where I’m working.

 

[Cruiser]

One of my fav trees around here - but the flat foilage makes it a bit tricky imho.

Same here!
In what way is the foliage tricky? Do you mean the flatness creates a wide profile?

With enough light, new foliage should form more vertically oriented.

 

[Bavarian Raven]

Same here!
In what way is the foliage tricky? Do you mean the flatness creates a wide profile?

With enough light, new foliage should form more vertically oriented.

The foilage naturally grows "flat" instead of from all sides of the branch. (Ie, the needles are on one plain as if pressed flat. Like yews.). I find it hard to make nice "pads" with it. :/ But i love the bark.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Stupendously lovely tree. Great potential. Natural dead apex a huge plus. Would strongly suggest systemic bugicide/tree may have a borer or three.

 

[Cruiser]

A welcome sign of recovery, buds opening.
It seems early given how recently the tree was collected and for the elevation change. Noble fir does not seem to adjust as quickly.



Another observation. Epicormic branching, which is just a fancy way of saying it can bud from branch collars along the trunk.