Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2685422

California Red Fir

Abies magnifica

Also known as Silvertip Fir, Golden Fir

Towering over high-elevation slopes of California and southern Oregon, red fir forms regal stands with distinctive glaucous needles that curve upward like hockey sticks along the twigs. Mature trees feature deeply furrowed, rich reddish-brown inner bark and large, barrel-shaped cones that sit strictly upright on upper branches before disintegrating completely on the tree. These subalpine conifers anchor snowy mountain ecosystems, providing essential shelter and seed forage for wintering wildlife.

ConiferEvergreenHigh Elevation
California Red Fir reference1 / 7
Licensed referenceDavid Prasad from Welches, OR., United States / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Photosynthetic
Predators
  • Douglas Squirrel
  • Fir Engraver Beetle
  • Mountain Pine Beetle
ThreatsBark beetles, severe drought, and high-intensity wildfires
HabitatsSubalpine forests and high mountain slopes
Life span300–500 years
Classification
  1. FamilyPinaceae
  2. SpeciesAbies magnifica
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 canopy for upright, barrel-shaped cones perched on branches.
  • Bark Identification: Check mature trunks for deeply furrowed, bright reddish-brown inner bark.
  • Needle Check: Roll a needle between your fingers to feel its four-sided, hockey-stick curvature.
Related species
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