Abies concolor 'Candicans' / Candicans white fir

Abies concolor 'Candicans' is a large growing, upright, tree-form of white fir that is considered by many to be the bluest of all conifers. Long, bright-blue needles grow to lengths of 2 inches (5 cm) or more; bark is smooth and silver-gray in color. Young plants grow with a somewhat open habit and may require staking to induce the development of a strong terminal leader. A mature specimen will easily measure 10 feet (3 m) tall and 5 feet (1.5 m) wide after 10 years, in the form of a perfect dense pyramid, suggesting a rate of growth exceeding 12 inches (30 cm) per year. This is a top choice for large landscapes and arboreta where it can be allowed to grow to its magnificent potential.

This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in 1929 by the Arboretum National des Barres, Nogent-sur-Vernisson, France. Despite being an old, well-established plant, it remains rare, despite being in the North American nursery trade since before or around 1965. Similar seedlings are said to have occurred from time to time. In the Latin language candicans translates into "white or hoary."

Attribution from: Arthur Lee Jacobson; North American Landscape Trees; ©1996; Ten Speed Press.