Abies are evergreen conifers with long narrow leaves, borne in whorls on the branches. They are best grown in full sun, planted in a moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Most Abies are long lived, and some species can reach heights above 60m.
Abies balsamea, one of the much smaller and shorter-lived species, comonly used as a Christmas tree. It has has dense, fresh green needle-like leaves, an attractive grey bark, scented resin and bears cylindrical cones that are purplish in colour.
Grow Abies balsamea in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during hot dry weather.
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Abies and wildlife
Abies has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
