Abies pinsapo
Spanish Fir
Pronunciation
a-BEEZ pine-SAP-po
Pronunciation Audio
Family
Genus
Nativity
South Spain
Growth Habit
Broadly conical and stiff...stiff...STIFF!
Hardiness
6
Culture
Sun and well drained soils. Is doing well at the National Arboretum. Possibly more heat tolerant than some give it credit.
Landscape Use
Specimen tree in formal gardens or used for its distinctive habit.
Foliage
Alternate, radially arranged around the stem, .25 to .5 inches long. Foliage is stiff and plastic-like, with white bands beneath.
Buds
Buds are globose and resinous, small.
Bark
Smooth in youth, becoming rougher with age.
Flower
Seed cones (to 5 inches) long emerge greenish pink to purple, maturing to brown.
Fruit
Cone, sessile, .75 inches, light brown.
Propagation
Seed, cultivars are grafted.
Pests
None serious.
Cultivars
'Aurea' - yellow foliage.
'Glauca' - distinct steel blue color.
