hvidgran

Hvidgran is a common name that can refer to several species of coniferous trees, most notably those in the genus Abies, which are also known as true firs. In particular, hvidgran often designates the European silver fir, Abies alba, a large evergreen tree native to the mountains of Europe. This species is characterized by its straight trunk, pyramidal crown, and flat, needle-like leaves that are dark green on the upper surface and silvery-white underneath, giving the tree a "silver" appearance.

The European silver fir is a significant species in European forestry and has been used for timber, pulpwood, and as a Christmas tree. Its wood is relatively soft and light, making it suitable for various construction purposes, furniture, and paper production. The tree is also valued for its aromatic resin, which has historical uses in traditional medicine and perfumery.

Beyond Abies alba, the term hvidgran can sometimes be applied to other fir species that exhibit similar silvery foliage, such as the noble fir (Abies procera) or the grand fir (Abies grandis), both native to western North America. The precise species intended by "hvidgran" can depend on regional usage and context. Regardless of the specific species, trees referred to as hvidgran are typically recognized for their distinctive white or silvery undersides of their needles and their generally majestic, upright growth habit.