Colorado Fir, White fir

Abies concolor

Physical Characteristics

Abies concolor is an evergreen Tree growing to 45 m (147ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Oregon to California, to Arizona and New Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

The inner bark (cambium) of white fir is the most useful edible part, available year-round. It can be eaten fresh in strips, chewed for a mild flavor and soft texture, or dried and ground into a flour. This flour is best mixed with seed or root flours, as it is very high in fiber and hard to digest on its own[2-3]. The resinous sap (pitch) is technically edible but has an acrid, overpowering taste, and was more often used medicinally or as a chewing gum. When hardened, it becomes concentrated in nutrients but is sticky and strongly flavored[2-3]. The young needles are too resinous to eat but make a refreshing tea when used in small amounts. The tea is aromatic, with citrus-like notes, and is sometimes used as a lung tonic[2-3]. The young shoots can be chewed in very small amounts, but their resin content makes them bitter and unpleasant[2-3]. The cones are not generally palatable, but when very young and green they can be chewed for their sticky, nutrient-rich centers. The seeds inside are tiny and difficult to collect; they are of little food value for humans though eaten by wildlife [2-3]. In practice, white fir is more a survival or supplementary food than a staple, valued for its bark and tea in times of scarcity rather than regular consumption [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Pectoral Poultice TB The pitch from the trunk has been used as an antiseptic poultice for cuts, wounds etc[257]. An infusion of the pitch, or the bark, has been used in the treatment of TB[257] An infusion of the foliage has been used in a bath for relieving rheumatism[257]. An infusion of the pitch and leaves has been used in the treatment of pulmonary complaints[257].

Known Hazards

None known