Fir

Fir, common name for any of an evergreen genus of trees (see Pine). The trees, known as true firs, generally have a straight trunk with a somewhat pyramidal crown. The branches grow in whorls from the trunk. The cones, which are erect at maturity, are composed of thin, close scales. Each scale bears two winged seeds. The flat, needle-like leaves are scattered, with the midribs showing clearly on the whitish undersides.

About 39 species of true firs are widely distributed throughout the Northern hemisphere. The common silver fir of Europe sometimes reaches a height of 50 m (165 ft), with large branches curved upward at their outer extremities. The leaves are dark green above, with two white lines beneath. When seen from below, the tree appears to have a silvery colour. It is abundant in the mountains of southern and central Europe. It is also found in Asia, in the Caucasus Mountains.

Some six species of fir are native to Europe, and various Asian and North American species are widely planted as timber trees. Spanish fir and Grecian fir are mountain species from southern Europe. Both have restricted distributions in the wild but are planted elsewhere. The Caucasian fir is another mountain species and is one of the most commonly grown timber trees. It grows up to 70 m (230 ft) in height. The Nikko fir from Japan, which is a much smaller tree, reaching a height of about 25 m (82 ft), is pollution-resistant and is often planted in towns and cities. Two species native to western North America are the noble fir, which grows to a height of 50 m (165 ft), and the grand fir, which reaches a height of 100 m (320 ft). A third American species, the balsam fir, is occasionally grown in Europe. It yields oleoresin known as Canada balsam. True firs are distinguished from similar and related trees by the circular leaf bases which leave a flat scar when the needle falls.

Scientific classification: Firs make up the genus Abies, of the family Pinaceae. The common silver fir of Europe is classified as Abies alba; the Spanish fir as Abies pinsapo; the Grecian fir as Abies cephalonica; the Caucasian fir as Abies nordmanniana; the Nikko fir as Abies homolepis; the noble fir as Abies procera; the grand fir as Abies grandis; and the balsam fir as Abies balsamea.

See also Douglas Fir.