Abies concolor ssp. concolor, also known as the White Fir or Concolor Fir, is a highly recommended tree for zones 5 and 6. Its New Mexico sources are a little bluer in color than the Colorado and a little more cold hardy than the Arizona. This ornamental landscaping tree with a spire-like crown and straight trunk is also popular as a Christmas tree. The crushed leaves have a strong lemony scent. It grows well in heavy clay soils and is very shade tolerant with slower growth in dense shade. White fir is severely damaged by mistletoe and its leaves are often attacked by spruce budworm and Douglas-fir tussock moth. However, it is important to many species of wildlife. Its wood is light, soft, and coarse-grained used for pulpwood, lumber, furniture, boxes, and crates, while its lack of odor makes it ideal for making tubs for storing food items. Plant it in moist but not water-logged soil and it prefers slightly acidic conditions. It can also grow on poor dry sites in the wild. A very ornamental and versatile tree, it is shallow-rooted and may be wind-blown in exposed sites. Plant it when it's small and it will succeed in its permanent position.
