Other Common Names/Trade Names: Includes several western fir species. White fir, Noble fir, Grand fir, Silver fir, Subalpine fir, Red fir. Also grouped with western hemlock and sold as Hem-Fir.
Scientific Name: Abies concolor, Abies procera, Abies grandis, Abies amabilis, Abies lasiocarpa, Abies magnifica
Best Characteristics for Identification: An overall lack of good characteristics. No resin canals. No odor or taste. No visible parenchyma.
Uses: Dimensional lumber, plywood, pulp.
General Natural Range: Varies based upon species but all are found from the Rocky Mountain region westward to Coastal Northwest and south into California.
Identical or Nearly Identical Species: White fir, Noble fir, Grand fir, Silver fir, Subalpine fir, Red fir, balsam fir(eastern species)
Other Species Easily Confused With: Western hemlock, Douglas-fir
Means of Distinguishing Similar Species : True firs are typically lighter in color than Western hemlock. Douglas-fir has resin canals and a distinct odor. The true firs have neither.