Abies homolepis

Conical large tree, 20-25 (30) m tall, 4-6 m wide, symmetrical habit; branches in layers, slightly ascending; stems grooved like spruce; medium-growing, 30-40 cm a year.

Firm, short, fresh green needles, white striped underneath; very densely packed, almost radial around the twig.

Shallow to deep roots, sensitive to compaction.

Likes shade when young, later sun to light shade, sensitive to heat, cool-humid, frost hardy.

Fresh to moist; acidic to neutral, sensitive to chalk; on all nutritious, loamy substrates.

Abies homolepsis is often seen in Japanese mountains with Chamaecyparis pisifera and C. obtusa, Acer palmatum, Pieris japonica, and wild varieties of Clethra, Betula, Deutzia, Hydrangea and Rhododendron as well as low bamboo. All varieties like acidic, humic soil in cool, humid areas.

Zone 5b