Abies pinsapo Boiss.

Nomenclature and habit

Abies pinsapo Boiss., commonly called Spanish fir, is an evergreen conifer that reaches 20 to 30 meters in height. It grows with a conical crown that often becomes irregular as the tree ages.

Leaf size and arrangement

Its leaves measure 1.5 to 2 centimeters long, arranged radially all around the shoots. The leaves are strongly glaucous pale blue-green, with broad bands of whitish wax covering both sides.

Cone size

The species produces cylindrical cones that are 9 to 18 centimeters long.

Immature cone features

Before maturity, the cones range from green to pinkish-purple, with a smooth surface and short bract scales that do not protrude. When fully mature, the cones disintegrate to release winged seeds.

Subspecies count

Two subspecies are currently recognized.

Spanish fir subspecies distribution

Abies pinsapo subsp. pinsapo Boiss. is native to southern Spain.

Moroccan fir subspecies nomenclature and distribution

Abies pinsapo subsp. marocana (Trab.) Emb. & Maire, commonly called Moroccan fir, is native to northern Morocco.

Subspecies morphological differences

The Moroccan subspecies differs from the nominate subspecies in having less strongly glaucous leaves and slightly longer cones that measure 11 to 20 centimeters long. Some botanists treat this taxon as a separate species, Abies marocana.

Cultivated cultivars

In cultivation, two cultivars have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: A. pinsapo 'Aurea', which grows to 8 meters tall and produces golden new growth, and A. pinsapo 'Glauca', which can reach over 12 meters tall and has grey-green leaves.