Abies magnifica var. magnifica
California red fir
Photo: parent species Abies magnifica · (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Pinaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Abies magnifica var. magnifica (California red fir) is a native California tree in the Pinaceae family, recognized by var. shastensis by included bracts.
California red fir is a California native tree found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, northern California Ranges, Sierra Nevada Highlands, and Sierra Nevada Eastern regions in mixed-conifer to subalpine forests at elevations of 1,200 to 2,600 meters. Although no specific flowering time is noted, this conifer is characterized by distinctive seed cones 14 to 23 centimeters long and 6 to 9 centimeters wide. Growing as a tall, majestic evergreen with a pyramidal form, the tree develops a substantial trunk and dense branching pattern. Its needles are typically dark green, arranged in dense clusters around the branches, creating a thick and textured appearance. The tree's remarkable feature is its seed production, with young trees developing cotyledons that range from 6 to 13 in number, signaling its robust reproductive potential.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 6 species; distinguished from var. shastensis by included bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Mixed-conifer to subalpine forests
Elevation: 1200-2600 m
Outside California: west-central Nevada
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 magnifica var. magnifica native to California?
Yes. Abies magnifica var. magnifica is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Abies magnifica var. magnifica belong to?
Abies magnifica var. magnifica is in the Pinaceae family, genus Abies.
What habitat does Abies magnifica var. magnifica grow in?
Abies magnifica var. magnifica grows in Mixed-conifer to subalpine forests.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.