Identify these fir trees please!

Discussion in 'Gymnosperms (incl. Conifers)' started by monkeytreeboy15, Dec 5, 2011.

  1. monkeytreeboy15

    monkeytreeboy15 Member

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    Location:
    Bremerton, Washington, U.S.(zone 8)
    Hello, everyone. I need some help identifying these uncommon Abies species The first tree I received as Abies squamata, and I am doubting its authenticity. Please either confirm or deny the allegations of its "squamata-hood."

    beginnings of flaky bark?
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture006-2.jpg
    a close-up of the buds and quite sharp needles..
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture005-1.jpg
    a branch:
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture001-2.jpg
    a close-up of the needles and branchlets:
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture003-1.jpg
    the undersides of the needles:
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture004-1.jpg

    This final fir tree was purchased as Abies gamblei which I have also seen listed as Abies pindrow var. brevifolia. In my opinion, the tree does not resemble Abies pindrow that closely, and I believe it should be classified as its own species. Please let me know what you think this fir tree may be.

    the whole tree:
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/IMG_3636.jpg
    a close-up of the buds: quite resinous
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture008-2.jpg
    the twigs are quite orange and the needles are the darkest green I have seen on a fir tree.
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture007-2.jpg
    The needles have very prominent white bands on the undersides of the thick, dark green, blunt-tipped needles:
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture009-2.jpg
    http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/sam-pratt/Picture010-2.jpg

    Thank you for your help in identifying these special trees.

    -Sam
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    First one looks most like Abies holophylla - not the first time I've seen this labelled as other Abies species, grown from seed imported from China. Some of the Chinese seed merchants seem to stick all sorts of inaccurate names on their seeds, unfortunately.

    Second is Abies forrestii or a close relative. Certainly not A. gamblei, which is very different to that.
     

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