Tree Species of the Abies Genus

Picture of a Fir Tree
Cones and twigs of Abies koreana, Korean Fir, Picture by Jan Mehlich, Image use (cc2)

Abies, Firs are a genus comprised of 66 taxa (species, subspecies and varieties) of evergreen conifer trees. Firs can be distinguished from other members of the pine family by their needle like leaves, attached to the twig by a base that looks like a small suction cup, and by erect cylindrical cones 5 to 25cm (2 to 10in) long that disintegrate at maturity to release the winged seeds.

Identification of the species is based on the size and arrangement of the leaves and the size and shape of the cones, and whether the bract scales of the cones are long and exserted, or short and hidden inside the cone. Firs are most closely related to the Cedar (Cedrus) Genus. Firs are found through much of North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, occurring mostly in mountainous areas.

Facts about the Abies Genus of Trees

• Genus Scientific Name = Abies
• Genus Common Names = Fir
• Number of Species in the Abies Genus = 66

List of Fir Trees, Abies Genus - All known species, taxa on Earth, organized by scientific Latin botanical name first and common names second.