Herb: Noble Fir


Latin name: Abies procera


Synonyms: Abies nobilis, Pinus nobilis


Family: Pinaceae (Pine Family)



Medicinal use of Noble Fir:

A decoction of the leaves has been used as a cough medicine.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
60 m
(197 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Deep forests at elevations between 600 - 1500 metres. The best specimens are found in deep rich soils with a short cool growing season and abundant annual precipitation, mainly as snow.

Other uses of Noble Fir:

Wood - light, hard, strong, close grained, works easily. Used for lumber, interior work, pulp etc.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks. Stratification is said to produce a more even germination so it is probably best to sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Alternatively, if you have sufficient seed, it is possible to sow in an outdoor seedbed. One report says that it is best to grow the seedlings on in the shade at a density of about 550 plants per square metre whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position.

Cultivation of Noble Fir:

Deep forests at elevations between 600 - 1500 metres. The best specimens are found in deep rich soils with a short cool growing season and abundant annual precipitation, mainly as snow.

Known hazards of Abies procera:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.