We have seen this tree at higher altitudes many times, but we took particular notice on a hike to a remote pass in Jasper. The black cones stood straight up high on the trees branches.

Subalpine fir

The subalpine fir is a medium-sized tree that usually grows 20 to 35 metres tall, but in the higher altitudes is usually shorter. They have a narrow crown (to shed snow) of short, stiff branches. The needles are blunt-ended and blue-green, tending to point upwards. Cones are a deep-purple and grow upright near the top of the tree. The bark of the tree is usually smooth and grey.

It grows at higher elevations in B.C. where there are cool summers and cold winters with deeper snowpacks. They live to an average age of 120 to 140 years.

The tree was called the “medicine plant” by Interior Aboriginal peoples. The pitch was chewed to clean teeth or just to chew for enjoyment. Sheets of bark were used for baskets. Boughs were used for bedding and flooring. The wood was used for roof shingles and construction. Today, it is used for lumber, plywood, boxes, and pulp.

Will the tree survive changing climatic conditions? Undoubtedly, it will be less frequent at the lower ranges of its habitat (600m).