KEY TO THE SPECIES OF TRUE FIRS

(ABIES)

Species found in eastern and central Canada, the northeastern United States, and the Appalachian Mountains

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Species found in western Canada, Alaska, and the western United States.

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Brachts of the cone small and covered by the cone scales, not projecting beyond the outer margin of the scales and generally not visible; widely distributed in eastern and central Canada, the northeastern United States, and the northern Appalachian Mountains.

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

Brachts of the cone large, projecting well beyond the outer margin of the cone scales; restricted to the Appalachian Mountains.

Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)

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Needles nearly four-sided in cross-section on sterile branches (branches without cones).

California Red Fir (Abies magnifica)

 

Needles of sterile branches flat, grooved on top.

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Brachts of the cones shorter than the cone scales and not visibly projecting beyond the outer margin of the scale.

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Brachts of the cones longer than the cone scales and visibly interspersed with the scales, sometimes with a long apical spine.

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