Abies amabilis Doug. ex Forbes Red Silver Fir or Pacific Silver Fir
Native to mountains of S.E. Alaska to Vancouver Island, Oregon and Washington. Sometimes grown as an ornamental tree outside its native environment, but usually found only in collections. Height may reach 75m (250ft) in the north of its range but is usually more modest elsewhere. Numerous, globular male flowers grow on undersides of shoots, drying to shed pollen in April. Female flowers start red developing into deep purple cones, 10-15cm (4-6in) long and 5-6cm (2-2 ½in) wide. When crushed, the foliage gives off a strong smell of tangerines. The bark is grey with white patches. Z5.