Fir, Golden Spanish

Description:

Spanish fir is native to a limited number of dry mountain areas in southern Spain in elevations from 3000’ to 6000’. This is a somewhat narrow, evergreen conifer that matures to broad pyramidal. Trees are slow growing, but eventually rise to 50-75’ tall. Branching typically extends to the ground. Short, rigid, sharp-pointed, linear, dark green leaves (needles to 3/4” long) are arranged radially around the branchlets. Seed cones (to 5” long) emerge greenish pink to purple, maturing to brown. After reaching maturity, the cones disintegrate releasing the seeds. As is distinctive with the firs, the cones appear upright on the branches.

‘Aurea’ features attractive, yellow needles that are rigid and tapered radiate from the branches. Although a golden form, this cultivar is hardier than the species. Full sun produces the best color, but plants benefit from some protection if grown in scorching conditions. “Aurea’ is typically smaller than the species, usually less than 30′.