Fauna
Plant

Subalpine Fir

Abies lasiocarpa

Also known as Rocky Mountain Fir, Balsam, White Fir, Alpine Fir

Subalpine fir dominates high-altitude timberlines across western North America, often forming stunted, windswept forms called krummholz near the tree line. Its narrow, spire-like crown sheds heavy winter snowpacks efficiently while upright, deep purple cones ripen in the upper branches. Resin blisters dotting the smooth grey bark emit a sharp, aromatic fragrance when punctured.

ConiferEvergreenAlpine
Subalpine Fir reference1 / 7
(c) David Anderson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David Anderson · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • Balsam Woolly Adelgid
  • Spruce Budworm
  • Western Balsam Bark Beetle
ThreatsSpruce budworm, balsam woolly adelgid, severe wildfire, climate change
HabitatsSubalpine forests, alpine timberlines, mountain slopes
Life span200–300 years
Classification
  1. OrderPinales
  2. FamilyPinaceae
  3. GenusAbies
  4. SpeciesAbies lasiocarpa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Cone Spotting: Look high in the upper crown during late summer to see upright purple cones before they disintegrate.
  • Bark Resin: Avoid leaning against trunks, as sticky resin blisters easily pop and stain clothes.
  • Krummholz Habit: Look for sprawling, bush-like mats at extreme windswept timberlines where trees cannot grow tall.
Related species
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