Photo of Abies firma form by Père Igor

Photo by Père Igor

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Buy Abies firma

Also Known As

  • Japanese Momi Fir
  • Momi Fir

Plant type

tree, conifer

size

  • H: 40'-100'
  • W: 30'-50'

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

2 inch wide, 4-6 inch deep tube | $29.95

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61 at Forestfarm

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Abies firma plant details

Abies firma is an evergreen conifer tree with green foliage. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in acidic, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Abies firma

Plant type: conifer tree
Plant family: pinaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 30 FT - 50 FT - wide, 40 FT - 100 FT - tall
Uses: pyramidal, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Abies firma

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: deer, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The tallest and most stately fir in Japan, shorter (to 65') in cultivation, this lovely fir has attractive yellow-green needles which are often notched at the tip a very unsual trait in fir needles. S-PSh/M
Japanese Momi Fir, or Abies firma, is considered the best Fir species for hot climates and is one of the few species in this large group that will actually thrive in the humidity of the southeastern states. Typically Fir trees are difficult to grow in southern climates and we struggle to keep many of our favorites healthy and happy in our Zone 8 nursery, but this variety requires little attention.

Plants are easily grown in both moist and dry sites, although they are not full drought tolerant and require some summer irrigation. We recommend deep watering at least once or twice a month for faster growth. Under poor conditions this tree will grow fairly slowly but is a medium grower under normal conditions.

Up close the needles of this species always remind us of the Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia) because they are well ordered, flat, short, and wide like a Yew tree. The growth is interesting from a distance as well and appears more like a Cypress than a fir because the branches tend to grow in dense tufts with space in between. This gives trees a very unique silhouette and provides a lot of texture.

Momi fir is one of the most heat tolerant firs. It is a good choice for southern gardens where it grows slowly (about 12" per year on average) into a large, broad, pyramid. Needles are a light yellowish-green color and contrast well with other green plants. Charles Sargent thought this was the most handsome of the Japanese Firs. Awards: First Class Certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society Recommended by: the United States National Arboretum

By: Fantastic Plants

This is the only Abies species that tolerates the heat and humidity of the Southeastern US. Beautiful tree on it's own, and useful as an understock for other Abies species and cultivars.

By: Specialty Ornamentals

Gardening facts about Abies firma plant

How to Grow Abies firma

  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun

Features

  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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