Abies concolor typically grow to approximately 60-200 feet tall and are predominantly used as Christmas trees and as decorative ornamental trees in landscaping. White fir trees are also frequently used for lumber, boxes, and doors because their wood is lightweight and doesn’t usually split when nailed.

White firs are identifiable by two to three inch-long needles of a silvery green or blue color. These needles are flat and grow 360 degrees around the twig, protruding at nearly right angles. Fir needles are softer to the touch than spruce needles, which is one of the best ways to tell them apart from spruces.

Unlike many other conifers and evergreens, white fir cones grow upright. The cones are typically two to five inches long and vary in color from purple to olive green.

The only white fir trees on UVM’s campus are north of the Fleming Museum. There are two Abies concolor here. They might appear to be blue spruce at first, but notice the cones and squeeze the needles! Remember that white fir needles are much longer than spruce needles.