White (Concolor) Fir

General
Scientific Name: Abies concolor
Family: Pinaceae (Pine)
Hardiness: Zone 4
Leaves: Evergreen
Plant Type: Tree
Growth
Rate: Medium
Mature Height: 25’-45’
Longevity: Medium
Power Line: No
Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Brown cones that shatter upon maturity
Fall Color: n/a

A large, pyramidal tree native to the southwestern U.S. with formal appearance in the landscape somewhat akin to Colorado blue spruce. The largest known trees in North Dakota are about 25 feet tall and 13 feet wide. Only northern seed sources are recommended for trial in North Dakota.

Light: Full sun.
Water: Prefers moist, well drained soils.
Soil: Adaptable to many soil types. Does poorly on heavy clay.

This tree species is included here primarily because an unknown seed source has performed very well at the Bowman-Haley Reservoir southeast of Bowman, North Dakota. A few other sources have been planted in North Dakota, but suffered from winterburn or a lack of hardiness. An extensive research study should be conducted to select hardy seed sources for the Northern Plains.