Firs

Firs are evergreen coniferous trees in the genus Abies, within the family Pinaceae. They are commonly known as firs and are distinguished from other conifers by their upright cones that disintegrate on the tree to release seeds and by their flat, soft needles that attach singly to the twig with a small, suction-cup-like base.

Firs are native to temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. They typically grow in montane and subalpine forests, often at higher elevations than spruces or pines, and prefer cool, moist soils. Their distribution ranges from coastal to continental climates, with many species adapted to specific regional habitats.

Firs play ecological roles in forests by providing habitat and seeds for wildlife; their wood is used for timber and pulp, and many species are cultivated for ornamental use or as Christmas trees due to their useful form and fragrance.

Representative species include Abies alba (European silver fir), Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Abies nordmanniana (Nordmann fir), Abies grandis (grand fir), and Abies veitchii (Veitch's fir).

Conservation and cultivation: Some fir species face threats from climate change, pests, and habitat loss; they are widely cultivated in forestry and horticulture, with multiple cultivars and hybrids used in landscaping.