Conifer Database - koreana

Conifer Trees Database

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Established in 1983, our mission is centered on advocating for the integration of conifer trees in garden designs and landscapes. We are dedicated to educating enthusiasts and the general public about the proper care, cultivation, and conservation of these majestic and diverse evergreens.

    

Abies koreana

Drawing by Rene Eisenbart

Abies koreana, as described in 1920 by E.H. Wilson (1876 - 1930), in Journal of the Arnold Arboretum, is commonly known as Korean fir; as well as 구상나무, (Gusang namu) in the Korean language. Wilson collected the type in 1917 on Quelpaert Island, Hallai-San (now known as Hallasan National Park on Jeju Island).


  • Description. Korean fir is an evergreen coniferous species of tree that will grow to a mature height of 30 to 60 feet (9 - 18 m) tall with a 3 to 6 foot (1 - 2 m) diameter trunk at breast height.
  • Bark is smooth, with resin blisters, becoming furrowed and plate-like, purplish then pale gray, with a reddish-brown inner-bark.
  • Branchlets are grooved, slightly pubescent, shiny gray or yellowish-red becoming purplish.
  • Buds are ovoid, free from the leaves, chestnut-brown to red with whitish resin, 0.03 to 0.05 inch (0.8 - 1.2 mm) in diameter.
  • Foliage grows crowded, spreading upwards and outwards, nearly spirally arranged, straight, linear, keeled below, shiny green above, bluish-white below; stomata usually absent above, with 10 stomatal lines below; 0.4 to 1 inch (1 - 2.5 cm) long by ca. 0.1 inch (2 - 3 mm) wide, with a notched apex.
  • Pollen cones are globular-ovoid, reddish-yellow or green tinted violet-brown 0.4 inch (1 cm) long by 0.3 inch (0.7 cm) wide.
  • Seed cones are broadly rounded, blunt-topped, 2 to 2.8 inches (5 - 7 cm) long by 1 to 1.6 inches (2.5 - 4 cm) wide, Blue-gray at first then turning dark violet with white resin spots.
  • Seeds are ovoid, within a violet-purple nut, 0.28 inch (7 mm) long with a reddish-brown wing.
Distribution. This species is native to Korea - Jeju Island and Chirisan, growing at elevations of 3,200 to 6,000 feet (1,000 - 1,900 m) above sea level, in temperate rain forest with high rainfall and cool, humid summers, and heavy winter snowfall.

Hardy to Zone 5 - cold hardiness limit between -20° and -10°F (-28.8°C and -23.3°C).


E.H. Wilson; Four new conifers from Korea. ©1920, Journal of the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, MA; vol.1:186-190.





















HORTICULTURAL STATUS:RHS Registered
COLOR:Silvery Green
GROWTH SHAPE:Conical (Pyramidal)
GROWTH SIZE:Intermediate: 6 to 12 inches (15 – 30 cm) per year / 5 to 10 feet (1.5 – 3 m) after 10 years
ORIGIN:(unknown)


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