Abies homolepis Sieb. & Zucc. Nikko Fir Native to central Japan, cultivated for ornament in large gardens. Grows to 24-27m (80-90ft), tolerating pollution, so does better in or near cities and towns than most other silver firs. Male flowers are bright, light green, 2.5cm (1in) long, shedding pollen in late April. Females are 3.7cm (l½in) long, turning deep purple-blue through the summer and ripening dark purple brown in October, 8cm (3½in) long. Foliage is composed of needles 1.5-3.7cm (½-l½in) long, green above with two white bands below. Bark is pinkish grey or purplish grey eventually breaking up into small flakes. Z4.