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Abies bracteata
Abies bracteata (D. Don) D. Don ex Poit.
Bristlecone Fir
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
Synonym(s): Abies venusta
USDA Symbol: ABBR
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The rarest of the firs, with narrow, conical, spirelike crown of short, slightly drooping branches. The entire natural range of this rare species is limited to a coastal strip about 60 miles (97 km) long within Los Padres National Forest.
From the Image Gallery
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Fruit Type: Cone
Size Notes: Up to about 75 feet tall. Trunk up to about 3 feet in diameter.
Fruit: Cones are purplish-brown.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , GreenBloom Time: Mar
Bloom Notes: Male catkins yellow.
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Santa Lucia Mountains of S. California; at 2000-5000' (610-1524 m); locally at 600' (183 m).
Native Habitat: Steep, rocky slopes and canyons; in mixed evergreen forests.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunBenefit
Interesting Foliage: yesPropagation
Propagation Material: Seeds , Softwood CuttingsSeed Treatment: Stratify seeds 3 to 4 months.
Maintenance: Pruning is not necessary.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Bibliography
Bibref 698 - Native Plants for Use in the California Landscape (1978) Labadie, E. L.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Abies bracteata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Abies bracteata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Abies bracteata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2021-02-05Research By: TWC Staff