Abies alba 'Pyramidalis' (Pyramidal White Fir)

Michael's Opinion

A rather rare oddity and not widely available. It is a plant however that I believe may have merit in the small garden because of its dense, compact from and great colour.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusAbies
Speciesalba
Cultivar'Pyramidalis'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginFound growing as a sport on a white fir in England in 1851.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2 - 5a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-35 to -29
Temperature (°F)-30 to -20
Height60 m
Spread1 – 1.5 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA dense pyramidal shape with dark green to silver needles with silver undersides. Very slow growing.
ID CharacteristicThe leaves are broad for a conifer and are held horizontally along the branch. It has a very dense pyramidal form.
ShapeDense pyramidal shape.
LandscapeAn uncommon landscape plant, however suited to the smaller landscape because of its dense, pyramidal form and slow growth. Quite a striking plant towards maturity.
CultivationFull sun but tolerates partial shade, sandy loam to some clay soil, with a pH range from 5 – 7. Requires good soil moisture to perform well.
PestsAphids and scale may become a problem.
Notable SpecimensThe Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Vineland, Ontario, Canada. The Toronto Botanic Garden, Toronto, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBrown to grey-green colour when still young, plate like when reaching maturity. Young branches are pubescent.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe buds are not resinous.
Leaf DescriptionDark green needles with silver undersides, in narrow columns, densely packed together, held horizontally along the branch.
Flower DescriptionNot showy.
Colour DescriptionDark green, silver to cream; grey-green bark.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs