Abies koreana / Korean fir
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.
Hardy to Zone 5 — cold hardiness limit between -20° and -10°F (-28.8°C and -23.3°C).
Attribution from: E.H. Wilson; Four new conifers from Korea. ©1920, Journal of the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, MA; vol.1:186-190.
Comments
I had one of these in Oregon where it thrived. Moved to Arkansas and want to know if this tree will grow here and where can I buy one? Thank you
I think your tree would need to be sited correctly and be grafted onto abies firma rootstock. Conifer kingdom sometimes sells conifers grafted to abies firma, but you will have to check with them.
On a side note, I couldn't figure out how to post a general comment not under a specific species of tree. I am looking for someone who has conifer design experience in the northern NJ area. If you know anyone, please get in contact.