Korean fir Abies koreana
Korean fir (Abies koreana) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Mountains of South Korea (Hallasan, Jirisan). It grows 3–10 m (10–33 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Korean fir in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Korean fir at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 3–10 m (10–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountains of South Korea (Hallasan, Jirisan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Korean fir toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Korean fir
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Korean fir
- How far apart should I plant Korean fir?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Korean fir need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korean fir need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Korean fir?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- Is Korean fir poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Korean fir?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korean fir. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Upright violet-blue cones even on young plants; silver-white needle undersides. Endangered in the wild (climate warming on its mountain tops).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis