European silver fir

Latin name : Abies Alba Family : Pinaceae Genus : Abies

Recognizing European silver fir

European silver fir is recognized by:

Its erect cones measuring 10-15Â cm long on the crown branches, falling from the tree when mature.
Needles: soft, with two white bands on the lower side and a nice citrus scent
Branches: smooth at two years old, beige-gray with short, blackish (or russet-colored) pubescence.

Ideal sites for European silver fir

Temperatures

Tolerates the shade in the first ten years. Doesnâ€™t like frost and summer drought. Resists the wind and cold temperatures well.

Rainfall

At least 900Â mm over the year. Does not tolerate drought. Requires constant atmospheric humidity.

Altitude

400-800Â m. Typical species at the mountain and subalpine levels.

Soil

Not fussy about the soilâ€™s chemical content, but does not like compact or waterlogged soils. Rare on chalky soils with little clay content. Not found on shallow skeletal soils.

Root development of European silver fir

Deep roots, powerful taproot system if the rock is cracked.

Growth and production of European silver fir

Very slow initial growth.
Production of 8-12Â m³/hectare/year (depending on site). Can reach up to 15Â m³ on the most suitable sites.

European silver fir plantation

Density	Spacing	Benefits and drawbacks
The usual density is 1,000-1,300 plants/hectare. In some cases, 2,200 stems/hectare can be attained.	3 x 3 m for 100 stems/hectare	Since it is very sensitive to frost, the European silver fir is preferably planted under shelter. Not used much because of its very slow growth and sensitivity in the open.
Through regeneration. Uneven-aged stand or selection system	Natural regeneration of the European silver fir is widely used to ensure its renewal.	It produces fruit every two or three years after the 40th year. A heat-loving species that can germinate with just 1% light.

Final density in an even-aged stand: 250 to 300 stems per hectare at the age of 70/80 years.

European silver fir wood

Sapwood: indistinct
Heartwood: matt white to pale pink, clearly veined in the late wood
Straight grain.
Texture: fine to medium, dependent on speed of growth
Main uses: Joinery, carpentry, crates, paper pulp

HEALTH

Kermes insects can cause the death of young specimens or lead to necrosis on trunks.

Economic view

The European silver fir is the fourth most common conifer species in France.

It is traditionally planted with other species such as beech or under cover with Scots pine. The European silver fir is usually and traditionally managed in an uneven-aged stand.

This management method means European silver fir can be a worthwhile investment as no clear felling is required. Instead timber is harvested during thinning work every seven years. Regular income is therefore guaranteed with no need for clear felling and subsequent planting.

European silver fir is a white wood that compares favorably with spruce. It has good technical characteristics: it is highly resistant and offers good impregnability. It is used in carpentry and laminated applications.