Description

• Subalpine firs have silvery green to blue flattened needles and release a fresh scent when crushed. The subalpine is the smallest of the native fir trees and has five different growth forms in response to its environment. The most common form is narrow with a dense crown and short branches. There is also a layered form, bullet shaped crown and flag-like shape. The "krummholz" form occurs above the timberline and produces dwarf, shrub-like mats of foliage. The trees can grow up to 90 feet in their habitat but rarely exceed 20 feet when transplanted to a low-elevation garden.
  
  

Growing Subalpine Firs for Transplant

• Subalpine firs first produce cones at 20 years of age with good seed crops every three to five years. The seeds require a stratification or chilling period equal to an average winter to break the embryonic dormancy. Seed germination is erratic because the percent of viable seed is low. Trees for transplant and landscape use are grown from seed, which is easy to collect by harvesting the cones. The trees may also be directly harvested from the wild.
  
  

Transplanting the Subalpine Fir

• The fir prefers cooler to temperate climates and grows in mineral rich soil. In the home garden landscape you will need to mimic the natural soils in alpine terrain. Compost and fine grit mixed into the soil will enhance porosity and gravel will add the characteristic rocky texture in which the fir is found. Transplants may grow in sun to partial sun. Plants grown in sea-level gardens will require some protection from direct sun. Seedlings transplanted as part of a rehabilitation project are set out as 2- to 3-year-old plants. Space the plants 10 feet apart when planting.
  
  

Aftercare

• The area around the trees needs to remain free of weeds. Use an organic mulch around the base of the tree out to the drip line. This helps prevent weeds and conserve moisture. Add supplemental water until the plant is established. The fir doesn't need extra water in most zones once it is established. Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune off dead or damaged wood as it occurs but otherwise the fir should be allowed to assume its natural shape.