Abies magnifica var. critchfieldii

Critchfield red fir

Family: Pinaceae · Type: shrub · Native

Critchfield red fir is a native shrub found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in mixed-conifer to subalpine forests at elevations of 2,010 to 2,850 meters. While no specific flowering time is noted, this tree produces distinctive seed cones 9 to 17 centimeters long with exposed bracts that become reflexed when mature. Growing as a compact shrubby form, it develops a distinctive conical shape characteristic of high-elevation conifers. Its needles are likely dark green and arranged radially around branches, typical of fir species in alpine environments. The seed cones are particularly notable, with bracts that partially cover the cone surface and create a textured, layered appearance when mature.

Habitat: Mixed-conifer to subalpine forests

Elevation: 2010-2850 m

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.