Abies amabilis
Historical source image for Abies amabilis.
At a glance
Scientific nameAbies amabilis
Trade / common namePacific silver fir
FamilyPinaceae
RegionNorth America
Common names
Alpine fir, Amabilis fir, Balsam, Balsam fir, Cascade fir, Fir, Great silver fir, Larch, Lovely fir, Pacific silver fir, Red fir, Silver fir, Western fir, White fir
Distribution
Pacific Silver Fir is native to the Pacific Coast region from Alaska south to western British Columbia, to western Oregon and locally in northwestern California (Siskiyou County). It grows from about sea level in the western limits of its range, to 6,000 feet in the Cascades. This tree prefers cool, wet regions. It is often found in the coastal fog belt and interior mountain valleys in coniferous forests, and is the dominant fir in the Olympic Mountains of Washington.
Uses
Beams, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Cabin construction, Casks, Concrete formwork, Construction, Cooperages, Decks, Decorative plywood, Dressed boards, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory construction, Form work, Foundation posts, Framing, Heavy construction, Joinery, Joists, Light construction, Lumber, Millwork, Moldings, Packing cases, Plywood, Porch columns, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Rough boards/dimension stock, Rough construction, Shakes, Sheathing, Shingles, Siding
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Projects & Inspiration
Explore possible applications, then tell Woodley what you are interested in making.
Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Beams, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Cabin construction, Casks, Concrete formwork, Construction, Cooperages, Decks, Decorative plywood, Dressed boards, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory construction, Form work, Foundation posts, Framing, Heavy construction, Joinery, Joists, Light construction, Lumber, Millwork, Moldings, Packing cases, Plywood, Porch columns, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Rough boards/dimension stock, Rough construction, Shakes, Sheathing, Shingles, Siding
What would you like to make?
Tell Woodley what you have in mind. Woodley can help explore whether Pacific silver fir is suitable and guide the next steps.
Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Brown
White
Yellow
Purple
Red
Pale brown
White to cream
Whitish
Light buff to yellowish brown
Light brown
There is usually a reddish brown, roseate, or lavender tinge at the latewood portion of the growth rings.
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Red
Brown
Yellow
White
Paler than heartwood
Color not distinct from heartwood
Grain
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Even
Figure
Straight
Growth rings (figure)
Stripe (figure)
Generally straight, but not always
Clear growth rings (figure)
Striped figure
Texture
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Fine
Medium
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Beams, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Cabin construction, Casks, Concrete formwork, Construction, Cooperages, Decks, Decorative plywood, Dressed boards, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory construction, Form work, Foundation posts, Framing, Heavy construction, Joinery, Joists, Light construction, Lumber, Millwork, Moldings, Packing cases, Plywood, Porch columns, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Rough boards/dimension stock, Rough construction, Shakes, Sheathing, Shingles, Siding
Full Technical Species Profile
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Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.