Christmastree
Abies veitchii Lindl.
Veitch’s fir is an evergreen tree in the pine family. The University of Connecticut describes a slowly growing tree that can reach roughly fifteen to twenty-three metres tall and about half as wide. Its needles remain through winter, while resinous buds mark the growing shoots. Kew POWO: Abies veitchiiUniversity of Connecticut Plant Database: Abies veitchii
Botanical name
Abies veitchii Lindl. is accepted by Kew as a conifer species, with two recognised varieties. Kew POWO: Abies veitchii
Recognizing the plant
The broad, conical crown carries branches held horizontally from the trunk. Flattened needles have notched tips and two conspicuous white bands underneath. Smooth, light-grey bark bears resin blisters. Purplish-brown seed cones are cylindrical, slightly tapered and about five to eight centimetres long. Like other true firs, they stand upright and break apart when mature, rather than dropping intact. Young stems are hairy and greenish-brown. Needles crowd the shoots, with shorter upright needles among the outward-spreading ones. University of Connecticut Plant Database: Abies veitchiiArnold Arboretum: Conifer Collection
Native range
The species is native to Japan, specifically Honshu and Shikoku, according to Kew. It belongs to the temperate flora of those islands. Two varieties are recognised within this Japanese species. Kew POWO: Abies veitchii
Botanical sources
- Kew POWO: Abies veitchii
- University of Connecticut Plant Database: Abies veitchii
- Arnold Arboretum: Conifer Collection
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.