Trunk of the Month: April 2015: Abies grandis

This is quite an unassuming trunk that looks quite standard in the world of tree trunks. However, this is the trunk of Abies grandis, or the Grand Fir, a tree that can grow to over 80 metres tall. The current tallest can be found in Glacier Peak Wilderness, a wilderness area located in Washington, US and has been measured to be 81.4 m (267 ft). The photo below gives an idea of the size of the trees we photographed at Westonbirt Arboretum - for scale, my wife is 6 ft (1.82 m) tall.

Being quite an adaptable conifer, it can grow all the way from the coast to inland elevations of around 2000 metres as long as it's growing by a water source; such as a stream.

This tree is monoecious, meaning that the flowers are either male or female, however unlike the holly, both sexes are found on the same plant.

Plants for a future note that the inner bark can be cooked. When dried, the inner bark can be ground into a powder that can be used to thicken soups or when making bread. Along with other uses, the shoot tips can be used as a tea substitute. I could certainly use this tree right now as the Plateau Indian tribes are said to use this tree for treating colds (and fever).

Along with edible and medicinal uses, the wood from this tree is used in construction because it resists splitting and splintering. Finally, it is used socially too and is said to be a popular Christmas tree in the United States.

The Grand Fir was first described by the ill fated David Douglas. He collected specimens in 1831 along the Columbia River, located in the Pacific Northwest.

What I find fascinating about this trunk is that while it looks so plain, it hides within it a power to grow to massive heights. I guess we can't judge a tree by it's cover!