Yunnan. Broadly conical evergreen growing in cold wet mountains near the tree line. Trees have been recorded in the wild 379 years old. POT grown.

Southern Oregon down the Sierra Nevada to central Southern California. Spinelike, evergreen, always straight, to 75m in its habitat. Grey-green needles, bark black to brown and deeply fissured on older trees. Drought tolerant, rare in NZ.

Mexico, Guatamala in the mountains. Conical evergreen, dark green needles, silvery beneath. Erect 10-15cm cones, blue when young. Frost tender in first winter, tolerated -9C later. Fastest growing Silver fir, to 75cm in 2nd year.

S.E. Australia & Tasmania. Broadly columnar, evergreen. Cream flowers in spring. Best growth in moist gullies and with side shade. Frost damage in cold valley bottoms. Dark brown timber for cabinets and turnery. PLUG grown.