Abies sibirica subsp. semenovii, first described in 1899 by Boris Alexjewitsch (Alexeevich) Fedtschenko (1872- 1947), is commonly known as Tienshan fir. Occasionally, one will see this listed as a separate species (A. semenovii), however the majority of research available maintains it as a subspecies.
Description. Tienshan fir differs from the typical species though branchlets that are noticeably ridged and grooved and needles with marginal resin canals. Seed cones are yellow-brown, with broader bracts than those of var. sibirica.
Distribution. This subspecies is confined to Kyrgyzstan - Talasskij Ala Tau, forming forests on the north-facing upper slopes of the Tien Shan or in steep ravines at elevations of 4,100 to 9,100 feet (1,300 - 2,850 m) above sea level where moisture from snowmelt remains available through summer.
