Red Fir (Abies amabilis)

Family: Pinaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Abies amabilis is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoot tips are used as a substitute for tea. The pitch obtained from the bark can be hardened (probably by immersing it in cold water) and used as a chewing gum. Inner bark. — Young shoot tips are used as a substitute for tea.; The pitch obtained from the bark can be hardened (probably by immersing it in cold water) and used as a chewing gum.; No further information is given, but inner bark can be dried, ground into a powder and then used with grain flours etc to make bread and other preparations.

Habitat & North American Range

High mountain slopes and benches, going down to sea-level in the north of its range. The best specimens grow in deep moist soils and cool wet air conditions such as fog belts. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)