Abies concolor

Leaves: Evergreen. Flat, single needles 2-3” long, soft to the touch. Silver-green to silver-blue color. Curved to point upward.

Bark/Twigs: Thin, smooth, grayish-white bark with resinous bumps. Bark becomes furrowed with ridges on very old trunks.

Flowers/Fruit: Inconspicuous flowers. 3-5” long cones grow upright on branches near top of tree.

Mature size and shape: Large. 60’h x 30’w. Often shorter in landscape conditions. Conical shape. Very symmetrical. Maintains its shape as it ages.

General information/special features: Native to Utah. Prefers moist, cool, protected sites. Somewhat shade tolerant.  Moist, well-drained is best, but performs well in a variety of rocky, gravely soils. Dislikes heavy clay which may hamper growth. Tolerant of cold, drought, and heat. National champion is 94’h x 48’w in Uinta National Forest, UT.

Landscape use and Maintenance: Large, good evergreen for dryer areas. Good substitute for spruce. Slow to medium growing rate. Low maintenance.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-7

Family/Origin: Pinaceae – Pine. Native to central and southern Rocky Mountains, including Utah, and to California.

Campus use: Somewhat common. Can be found on north side in President’s Circle or west of William Stewart Building (Bld 6).