Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa
Subalpine fir, Subalpine Fir, subalpine fir, subalpine fir
Walter Siegmund (via Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY
Family: Pinaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa (Subalpine fir) is a native California tree in the Pinaceae family, recognized by smallest stature, persistently hairy twigs, very limited range.
Subalpine fir is a California native conifer found in western Siskiyou County's subalpine forests and meadows at elevations of 1,700 to 2,100 meters. While its flowering time is not specified, this tree produces distinctive narrow, steeple-like crowns with gray bark up to 5 centimeters thick. Growing to heights less than 30 meters with trunks under 1.3 meters wide, it features hairy twigs that remain furry for several years. Its needles are less than 3 centimeters long, relatively flat, with white bands on the upper surface and typically notched or blunt tips. The tree produces seed cones less than 10 centimeters long with enclosed bracts, creating a characteristic conical silhouette in high-elevation mountain landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 6 species; smallest stature, persistently hairy twigs, very limited range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Subalpine forests, meadows
Elevation: 1700-2100 m
California counties: Siskiyou
Outside California: to northwestern Canada, in Rocky Mountains to New Mexico
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Pseudotsuga: Fir cones stand upright and disintegrate on tree; Douglas-fir cones hang down with pitchfork bracts and fall intact.; vs Pinus: Fir needles attach individually to smooth twigs; pine needles come bundled in groups of 2-5.; vs Picea: Fir twigs are smooth after needle drop; spruce twigs have rough, persistent peg-like bumps.; vs Sequoia: Fir has individual flat needles and upright cones; redwood has flat sprays of scale-like leaves and small round cones.; vs Cedrus: Fir needles attach individually to smooth twigs; cedar needles grow in dense rosettes on short shoots with barrel-shaped cones.
Frequently asked questions
Is Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa native to California?
Yes. Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa grow?
Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa occurs in Siskiyou, at elevations of 1700-2100 m.
What plant family does Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa belong to?
Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa is in the Pinaceae family, genus Abies.
Is Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa rare or endangered?
Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa grow in?
Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa grows in Subalpine forests, meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.