Plant Details

Abies grandis

Grand Fir, Giant Fir, Lowland White Fir

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light and edible uses of Abies grandis.

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Common names

27 names · 22 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Giant Fir[1]
  • Grand Fir[1]
  • Lowland White Fir[1]
+1 more nameShow fewer names
  • yellow fir[1]
Other languages (21)
Dutch
  • Reuzenzilverspar[1]
French
  • Sapin de Vancouver[1]
  • sapin grandissime[1]
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Czech
  • jedle obrovská[1]
Danish
  • Kæmpegran[1]
Downriver Halkomelem
  • taʔxʷəɬp[1]
Estonian
  • hiigelnulg[1]
Finnish
  • jättipihta[1]
German
  • Küsten-Tanne[1]
  • Riesen-Tanne[1]
Italian
  • Abete grande[1]
Japanese
  • アメリカオオモミ[1]
Norwegian
  • kjempeedelgran[1]
Nuuchahnulth
  • w̓iḥmapt[1]
Polish
  • Jodła olbrzymia[1]
Russian
  • Пихта великая[1]
Slovak
  • jedľa obrovská[1]
Swedish
Turkish
  • Büyük Sahil Göknarı[1]
Upriver Halkomelem
  • t’a’hw[1]
West Flemish
  • Reuzedenne[1]
Sources & name notes (1)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Abies grandis — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy; common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • grand fir — results[1].names[0]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • giant fir — results[1].names[2]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • sapin grandissime — results[1].names[3]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • jedle obrovská — results[1].names[4]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Reuzenzilverspar — results[1].names[5]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • kjempeedelgran — results[1].names[6]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Küsten-Tanne — results[1].names[7]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Riesen-Tanne — results[1].names[8]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • アメリカオオモミ — results[1].names[9]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Jodła olbrzymia — results[1].names[10]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • hiigelnulg — results[1].names[11]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • 巨冷杉 — results[1].names[12]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • 巨冷杉 — results[1].names[13]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Kæmpegran — results[1].names[14]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Reuzedenne — results[1].names[15]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Abete grande — results[1].names[16]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • kustgran — results[1].names[17]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • lowland white fir — results[1].names[18]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • yellow fir — results[1].names[19]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Пихта великая — results[1].names[20]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Sapin de Vancouver — results[1].names[21]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • jättipihta — results[1].names[22]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • jedľa obrovská — results[1].names[23]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • taʔxʷəɬp — results[1].names[24]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • w̓iḥmapt — results[1].names[25]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • t’a’hw — results[1].names[26]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.
  • Büyük Sahil Göknarı — results[1].names[27]; taxon id 63690; Abies grandis.

General information

Scientific name: Abies grandis
Accepted name (Kew): Abies grandis (Douglas ex D.Don) Lindl. View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Pinaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Abies (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Grand Fir, Giant Fir, Lowland White Fir
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Tree
Catalogue size class: Large
Height: 39.62–70.1 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Spread: 6.1–7.92 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Growth rate: Fast
Sources [2]
Foliage: Evergreen
Sources [2]
Growth habit: Conical, Irregular

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [2]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b

USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.

Sources [2]
Soil moisture:
Well-drained

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [2]
Soil:
Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand
Sources [2]
pH:
Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Sources [2]
Light:
Full sun, Partial Shade
Sources [2]

Uses

Edible parts:
Shoots
Edibility rating:
(2)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Gum

Description

This versatile plant is a valuable asset to any agroforestry system, known for its robust growth and diverse applications. The plant reaches a height of approximately 15-20 meters and a width of 5-10 meters, with a moderate to fast growth rate that quickly contributes to the biomass in your system. It thrives in a wide range of climates, from temperate to cool, and prefers well-drained soils, although it is also tolerant of less ideal conditions. The applications of this plant are surprisingly broad. Its inner bark, rich and succulent in spring, can be dried and ground into a thickener for soups, or mixed with grains for bread – an excellent emergency food source. The resin from the trunk, once hardened, can be used as chewing gum or processed into a refreshing drink. Furthermore, the young shoot tips offer a delightful alternative to tea. In terms of maintenance, this plant is relatively low-maintenance. Pruning is usually only necessary to maintain the desired shape or remove dead branches. The plant is naturally resistant to many pests and diseases, minimizing the need for intervention. Within agroforestry, this plant offers numerous benefits. It contributes to soil improvement through its deep root system and provides shade and wind protection for other crops. Its role as a food source and its ability to produce resin and tea make it a multifunctional addition that enhances the biodiversity and resilience of your agroforestry system

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1219769; name ID 381615; Abies Mill.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1220000; name ID 381804; Abies grandis (Douglas ex D.Don) Lindl..

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Abies grandis — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Supports: HeightSpreadGrowth rateFoliageGrowth habitLightSoil moistureSoil textureSoil pHUSDA hardiness
    Relevant sections
    • Height: Dimensions > Height; Height: 130 ft. 0 in. - 230 ft. 0 in.
    • Spread: Dimensions > Width; Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 26 ft. 0 in.
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Foliage: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • USDA hardiness: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

    Source checked on .