The only fir sufficiently heat-tolerant for the South, known to succeed in Georgia and Alabama. Still prefers afternoon shade in such hot climates though.
Branching becomes more horizontal with age. Litter potential (leaves and twigs) is debated.
Slow to establish. UFL asserts little to no need for fertilizer or supplemental watering, with the caveat that this species has not been tested much in the East.
Some nurseries use this fir extensively as a rootstock (e.g. Conifer Kingdom) due to its disease resistance and heat/humidity tolerance being superior to those of other firs. That includes resistance to Phytophthora root rot and apparent immunity to balsam woolly adelgid.
Sources: Dirr, Missouri BG, UFL, NCSU, Cal Poly.
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