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what elevation do noble firs grow

by Dr. Martine Bartoletti Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Noble fir is generally found at elevations between 1070 and 1680 m (3,500 and 5,500 ft) in the Cascade Range in Oregon and 910 and 1520 m (3,000 and 5,000 ft) in the Cascade Range in central Washington. In the Coast Ranges of Oregon, it generally grows above 910 m (3,000 ft).

Full Answer

What zone do noble fir trees grow in?

Noble fir growing is limited to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 and 6. Planting a noble fir tree works better if you live between 1,000 and 5,000 (305 and 1524 m.) feet in elevation.

Can you grow a noble fir tree at high altitude?

Planting a noble fir tree works better if you live between 1,000 and 5,000 feet in elevation. Noble fir growing at lower altitudes can get root rot. Those interested in noble fir growing need to find a proper site too.

What does a noble fir tree look like?

Instead of hanging down, noble fir cones perch on branches, looking a bit like candles on old-fashioned holiday trees. Noble firs in landscapes can live a long time. They are pioneer trees, growing in quickly after a forest fire clears an area.

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Where do noble firs grow?

And because of its quality and strength, the wood of the noble fir is valued over the wood of other true firs. A subalpine tree, it is found in the Cascade Range and the Coast Ranges of the Pacific Northwest of Washington and Oregon and in southwestern Canada.

What climate do firs grow in?

Fir trees, including Douglas, noble and concolor, grow best in hardiness zones from zone four (minimum temperature of minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit) to zone seven (minimum temperature of 0 F).

Where do fir trees grow best?

Fir trees and shrubs grow best in full sun or part shade and moist, fertile soil. Sandy loam soil is best. Fir will occasionally adapt to poor, compacted soils and planting places that are prone to heat and drought, but it often languishes in such conditions and grows exceptionally slowly.

Will Noble firs grow in Texas?

Noble Fir (Abies procera) is also a species that can not grow in Texas. The Noble fir is closely related to the red fir. They have a slight fragrance, but nice needles and branches for ornaments. Noble firs are shipped from Washington State and are cared for like the Fraser Fir.

How long does it take to grow a noble fir Christmas tree?

6–12 yearsThe true firs including Noble, Grand, and Nordmann, will take anywhere from 6–12 years to mature depending upon the height of tree the buyer is looking for.

Can you grow a noble fir?

Propagating Noble Fir You can grow noble fir from the seeds found in its cones which mature in early August.

What conditions do fir trees like?

Put fir trees in a sheltered spot as they like cool, moist conditions, and think about its position during hot summers, as it shouldn't be in direct sunlight. Also, ensure it's well watered during dry spells.

How high do fir trees grow?

Height 15ft to 40ft (4.5m - 12m).

Do fir trees need a lot of water?

It is especially important to water the conifer trees when they are young or when the weather turns extremely hot and dry. Conifers need an inch of water each week that it does not rain for the first year after planting. Do not wait for the trees to show signs of drought, because by that time conifers are dying.

How long do noble firs last?

Fir and cypress tend to keep most of their needles for four or five weeks, respectively, whereas pine and spruce are more likely to lose a high volume of needles within two or three weeks, respectively.

Can you grow fir trees in Texas?

Types of Texas Trees The most common trees you'll find on a Texas Christmas tree farm are not the popular ones like a Balsam​, Fraser​ or a Douglas Fir. Texas trees include: The Virginia Pine, a short-needled pine with fragrance, dense foliage and strong limbs for those heavy ornaments.

What Christmas trees grow in Texas?

Afghan pine (Pinus eldarica) is the major Christmas tree species for the alkaline soils found in South Central and West Texas.

Noble Fir Care

Noble fir is a low-maintenance tree, provided that it’s grown in a suitable climate and location similar to its native habitat.

Types of Noble Fir

There are numerous cultivars of noble fir. Cultivars suitable for home gardens with limited space include:

Pruning

Noble fir does not require pruning other than removing broken or diseased branches.

Propagating Noble Fir

You can grow noble fir from the seeds found in its cones which mature in early August. Let the cones dry until they are brittle, then shake them to remove the cones. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, then place the drained seeds in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container with a soilless potting mix, such as peat moss or vermiculite.

Common Plant Diseases

Noble fir is mainly affected by different diseases caused by fungi: Phytophthora root rot, stem canker, current season needle necrosis (CSNN), and interior needle blight.

Why is noble fir considered a pioneer tree?

It is a long-lived pioneer tree, meaning that it often comes in aggressively after a disturbance such as fire. And because of its quality and strength , the wood of the noble fir is valued over the wood of other true firs.

Where did the name "noble fir" come from?

History/Lore. The Noble fir gets its name from the Latin Abies nobilis. It held this scientific name for a long time until it was discovered the name was pre-empted by another species. Other common names are red fir, white fir, and larch.

What is the name of the largest fir tree in North America?

Noble Fir. Abies procera. The noble fir has most certainly earned its name, particularly because it is the largest native fir in North America. This tall, narrow tree features a long, columnar trunk and conical crown with short, nearly horizontal branches. It is a long-lived pioneer tree, meaning that it often comes in aggressively ...

What animals eat noble fir?

The seeds are food for chickadees, jays, nuthatches and many other bird species. The seeds are also eaten by Douglas squirrels, mice and other rodents, and the bark is browsed by black bears. In addition to food, the noble fir provides cover and thermal protection for wildlife.

What are noble firs known for?

Common Characteristics: These needles turn upward, exposing the lower branches. Known for its beauty, the noble fir has a long keep ability, and its stiff branches make it a good tree for heavy ornaments, as well as providing excellent greenery for wreaths and garland. Description:

Where are Nobles native to?

Nobles are native to the Siskiyou Mountains of northern California and the Cascade and Coastal ranges of Oregon and Washington. It closely resembles the California red fir (Abies magnifica var. magnifica), commonly used as an uncultured tree called “silver tips” in the California fresh tree market, and the shasta fir (Abies magnifica var.

Is hemlock fir wood good for siding?

The wood is easy to work. Its warm, light color and straight grain makes ideal interior finish material for siding, paneling and doors. It is often sold separately for appearance applications and as Hem-Fir (Hemlock-Fir) for construction applications. Folklore:

Site observations

Site 1: Overall survival on the untreated seedings in 2019 was 80%. On the same site in 2018, the survival rate was 64%. The use of physical shades increased tree survival in both years. The addition of the wood mulch also showed an increase in survivability. None of the root dips or foliar sprays provided an increase in survivability.

Discussion

Looking at the big picture, the added rainfall and reduced temperature patterns of 2019 provided a huge improvement in seedling survival across the Pacific Northwest. Trees need water.

How tall are noble firs?

Early growth of planted seedlings is variable, depending on site conditions and stock. In one study, growth was slow; noble fir seedlings were only 8.4 cm (3.3 in) tall at the end of the first growing season in the field, half the height of Douglas-fir seedlings planted at the same time.

Where do noble fir trees grow?

magnifica and var. shastensis) from northern California north to the central Cascade Range in Oregon.

What is the climate of noble fir?

Noble fir lies entirely within a moist, maritime climatic region. Since it grows primarily at higher elevations-within the Abies amabilis zone (10) high precipitation and relatively cool temperatures are characteristic. Five climatic stations within the range of noble fir provide representative data. Annual temperatures average 4.4° to 7.2° C (39.9° to 45.0° F). The mean temperature in January ranges from -4.4° to -1.1° C (24.1° to 30.0° F) and in July, from 13.3° to 16.1° C (55.9° to 60.9° F). Annual precipitation averages 1960 to 2410 mm (77.2 to 94.9 in). About three-fourths of this precipitation occurs between October and March, and much of it accumulates as snowpacks with maximum depths of 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft).

Where is noble fir found?

Most noble fir is found primarily within the Abies amabilis zone (10) with lesser amounts in the Tsuga mertensiana ( particularly in Oregon) and Tsuga heterophylla (particularly in Washington) zones.

How long does it take for noble fir to grow?

Seedlings typically require 3 to 5 years to reach a height of 0.3 m (1 ft). Seed dispersed after snow covers the ground may germinate in and on the snowbanks the next spring, with essentially no chance for survival of such germinants. Natural regeneration of noble fir appears to have variable success.

How many seeds are in a Noble Fir tree?

Noble fir seeds are not widely dispersed because of their weight, which averages 29,750 seeds per kilogram (13,500/lb) (25). Wind is the major agent of dispersal. Although the seeds can fly over 600 m (2,000 ft) (22), most actually fall within one or two tree heights of the seed trees (1).

What is a Noble Fir?

Noble fir (Abies procera), also known as red fir and white fir, is an impressive true fir limited to the Cascade Range and Coast Ranges of the Pacific Northwest. At maturity, it typically has a clean, columnar bole and short, rounded crown. Noble fir attains the largest dimensions of any of the true fir species.

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1.Noble Fir Growing - Tips On Planting A Noble Fir Tree

Url:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fir/noble-firs-in-landscapes.htm

24 hours ago  · Frequently Asked Questions. Back to Top. Noble fir is called noble because it is the largest American fir and the largest of the true firs. In its native habitat in the mountains of Pacific northwest, it grows 180 to 270 feet tall.

2.Noble Fir: Care and Growing Guide - The Spruce

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/noble-fir-growing-guide-5202075

34 hours ago It grows in middle- to upper-elevation coniferous forests and is often associated with Abies amabilis (or “silver fir”) and other conifers. The best stands are found in moist, middle elevation areas with deep, rich soils.

3.Noble Fir Tree on the Tree Guide at arborday.org

Url:https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=1106

18 hours ago  · Noble Firs are tall, narrow evergreens classified as western North American Firs and are native to the mountains in Washington, western Oregon, and northwest California. They are what is referred to as “high-altitude” trees, meaning they typically occur at 300 -1,500 m (980–4,920 ft) altitude and rarely reach the tree line, according to the USDA.

4.Noble Fir | National Christmas Tree Association

Url:https://realchristmastrees.org/education/tree-varieties/noble-fir/

20 hours ago Noble fir growing is limited to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 and 6. Planting a noble fir tree works better if you live between 1,000 …

5.Noble fir seedling survival strategies | OSU Extension …

Url:https://extension.oregonstate.edu/forests/christmas-trees/noble-fir-seedling-survival-strategies

34 hours ago Herbaceous plants, huckleberry, currants, rhododendrons and grasses are dominant in the understory of noble firs. Climate The noble fir is a tree that loves altitude. It typically is found between 1,000 and 5,000 feet, only rarely reaching the tree line. Management If left to grow for timber, noble fir only becomes timber-sized on moist, well-drained sites above about 1,000 feet …

6.Abies procera Rehd - USDA

Url:https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/abies/procera.htm

3 hours ago  · Each site was planted with 2-year old noble fir. Site 1. 865 ft elevation; 1,120 trees planted April 25; Jory silty clay loam, previously planted with large Douglas-fir. Ground prepped prior to planting. Atrazine herbicide applied within one week of planting; Site 2. 1,310 ft. elevation; 840 trees planted May 1; Molalla cobbly loam, prior Christmas tree rotation

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