Corkbark Fir for Christmas Trees

In 1952, a small planting of corkbarkfir (Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica) wasmade in western Oregon to determinehow this variety compares to nativeNorthwest conifers in desirable Christ-mas tree characteristics. Interest cen-tered on survival, growth rate, form, andfoliage color as well as on resistance toinsects and diseases. Examination of thisplantation 8 years later reveals trees ofexceptional color, taper, balance, anddensity, indicating corkbark fir may bewell adapted to Christmas tree produc-tion in at least some portions of westernOregon and Washington.

Native of SouthwestCorkbark fir is a variety of subalpine

fir (Abies lasiocarpa) characterized bysoft, corky bark. It is indigenous to Ari-zona, New Mexico, and southern Colo-rado, and is found growing in associationwith Engelmann spruce (Picea engel-ma►►ii) and subalpine fir. It is found ongravelly soils or on thinly covered rockat 8.000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Maturetrees average 50 to 75 feet tall and 12 to20 inches in diameter.

Trial Made in Western OregonCascades

The plantation was established on aclear-cut area on the H. j. Andrews Ex-perimental Forest in the McKenzie Riverdrainage of western Oregon's CascadeRange. It occupies a gentle, northeast-facing slope at an elevation of 2,900 feetwith a moderately deep, clay loam soil.Virgin old-growth Douglas-fir timber hadbeen removed from the planting site theprevious year. Logging debris on part ofthe area was disposed of by controlledbroadcast burning. A dense growth ofshrub and herbaceous vegetation devel-oped on the burned area in later years,while the unburned area remained rela-tively free of vegetative competition.

A total of 360 2-year-old corkbark firseedlings were hand planted with aplanting hoe in March 1952. Half of thetrees were planted on an unburned siteand half on a burned area. Survival was

* Research forester, Pacific Northwest Forestand Range Experiment Station, Forest Serv'ice, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Port,land, Oregon. Stationed at the CorvallisResearch Center, maintained in cooperationwith the Oregon State University School ofForestry at Corvallis, Oregon.

JERRY F. FRANKLIN°

recorded in August 1953, and survivaland height were recorded in April 1960.

Survival and Growth EncouragingSixty percent of the planted seedlings

survived eight growing seasons. Three-fourths of the mortality occurred the first2 years following planting. In 1960,survival was better on the unburnedthan on the burned site, with 124 and91 trees surviving, respectively. Theplantation averaged 2.22 feet in height,including trees which had been sup-pressed by competing vegetation.

Individual trees made good growth,however, with 48 seedlings 3 feet ormore in height and the largest 5.6 feettall. Striking differences in growth rateexisted between the burned and un-burned portions of the plantation. Treesaveraged more than a foot taller on theunburned area — 2.7 feet versus 1.6 feet.The difference was probably partiallydue to vegetative competition on theburned area. Growth of seedlings plant-ed on compacted soil or on exposedsubsoil was exceptionall y poor.

More than half of the seedlings hadgood form and color and would makeU. S. Premium grade Christmas trees.

Figure 1. ----A vigorous specimen of cork-hark fir 8 years after planting.

Several were harvested from t.tion during past years, and althad basal branches turning up tduce new trees.

Damage Limited to FrostThe only extensive damage suffered

by the plantation was in May 1960 whena late frost killed many of the newshoots, then 1 to 2 inches long. Theplantation remained relatively free fromdamage by insect or disease. No infesta-tion of balsam woolly aphid (Chermespiceae Ratz.) was present, althoughcorkbark fir has been attacked elsewherein the Northwest. A light infestation ofwoolly aphid has been reported on treesplanted in an arboretum in southwesternWashington. A needle rust (Uredinopsismacrosperma) was found on trees in theplantation in past years, but had noserious effect.

Resembles Blue SpruceThe most outstanding attribute of this

fir is its attractive silvery appearance,similar to that of the blue form of bluespruce (Picea pungens). Good-qualityspecimens should command premiummarket prices, equalling or exceedingthose paid for noble, Shasta red, andsilver firs.

The species is not entirely free fromproblems. Average growth rates werepoor, but trees free of competition, aswould be the case in a Christmas treeplantation, grew at a very acceptablerate. In this test several trees developedmultiple leaders. If this is a commoncharacteristic, culturing work by Christ-mas tree growers may be necessary.Danger of attack by balsam wooll y aphidis also present, but damage from thispest may be minimized by harvestingtrees at an early age.

Further Tests NeededCorkbark fir warrants further study as

a Christmas tree species in the PacificNorthwest. It should be tested at differ-ent elevations and on different soil types.Areas of mineral soil, bare and relativelyfree from vegetative competition, ap-pear necessary for satisfactory growthand survival. Planting should probablybe avoided on compacted soil, exposedsubsoil or on areas commonl y subjectto late spring frosts.

Reprinted from THE AMERICAN CHRISTNIAS TREE GROWERS ' JOURNAL, February, 1962

Purchased by the U. S. Forest Service for Official Usc.

Corkbark Fir for Christmas Trees

In 1952, a small planting of corkbarkfir (Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica) wasmade in western Oregon to determinehow this variety compares to nativeNorthwest conifers in desirable Christ-mas tree characteristics. Interest cen-tered on survival, growth rate, form, andfoliage color as well as on resistance toinsects and diseases. Examination of thisplantation 8 years later reveals trees ofexceptional color, taper, balance, anddensity, indicating corkbark fir may bewell adapted to Christmas tree produc-tion in at least some portions of westernOregon and Washington.

Native of SouthwestCorkbark fir is a variety of subalpine

fir (Abies lasiocarpa) characterized bysoft, corky bark. It is indigenous to Ari-zona, New Mexico, and southern Colo-rado, and is found growing in associationwith Engelrnann spruce (Picea engel-ma►nii) and subalpine fir. It is found ongravelly soils or on thinl y covered rockat 8,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Maturetrees average 50 to 75 feet tall and 12 to20 inches in diameter.

Trial Made in Western OregonCascades

The plantation was established on aclear-cut area on the H. J. Andrews Ex-perimental Forest in the McKenzie Riverdrainage of western Oregon's CascadeRange. It occupies a gentle, northeast-facing slope at an elevation of 2,900 feetwith a moderately deep, cla y loam soil.Virgin old-growth Douglas-fir timber hadbeen removed from the planting site theprevious year. Logging debris on part ofthe area was disposed of by controlledbroadcast burning. A dense growth ofshrub and herbaceous vegetation devel-oped on the burned area in later years,while the unburned area remained rela-tively free of vegetative competition.

A total of 360 2-year-old corkbark firseedlings were hand planted with aplanting hoe in March 1952. Half of thetrees were planted on an unburned siteand half on a burned area. Survival was

* Research forester, Pacific Northwest Forestand Range Experiment Station, Forest Serv-ice, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Port-land, Oregon. Stationed at the CorvallisResearch Center, maintained in cooperationwith the Oregon State University School ofForestry at Corvallis, Oregon.

JERRY F. FRANKLIN*

recorded in August 1953, and survivaland height were recorded in April 1960.

Survival and Growth EncouragingSixty percent of the planted seedlings

survived eight growing seasons. Three-fourths of the mortality occurred the first2 years following planting. In 1960,survival was better on the unburnedthan on the burned site, with 124 and91 trees surviving, respectivel y. Theplantation averaged 2.22 feet in height,including trees which had been sup-pressed by competing vegetation.

Individual trees made good growth,however, with 48 seedlings 3 feet ormore in height and the largest 5.6 feettall. Striking differences in growth rateexisted between the burned and un-burned portions of the plantation. Treesaveraged more than a foot taller on theunburned area — 2.7 feet versus 1.6 feet.The difference was probably partiallydue to vegetative competition on theburned area. Growth of seedlings plant-ed on compacted soil or on exposedsubsoil was exceptionally poor.

More than half of the seedlings hadgood form and color and would makeU. S. Premium grade Christmas trees.

Figure 1.—A vigorous specimen of cork-bark fir 8 years after planting.

Several were harvested from the planta-tion (luring past years, and all stumpshad basal branches turning up to pro-duce new trees.

Damage Limited to FrostThe only extensive damage suffered

by the plantation was in May 1960 whena late frost killed many of the newshoots, then 1 to 2 inches long. Theplantation remained relatively free fromdamage by insect or disease. No infesta-tion of balsam woolly aphid (Chermespiceae Ratz.) was present, althoughcorkbark fir has been attacked elsewherein the Northwest. A light infestation ofwoolly aphid has been reported on treesplanted in an arboretum in southwesternWashington. A needle rust (Uredinopsismacrosperina) was found on trees in theplantation in past years, but had noserious effect.

Resembles Blue SpruceThe most outstanding attribute of this

fir is its attractive silvery appearance,similar to that of the blue form of bluespruce (Picea pungens). Good-qualityspecimens should command premiummarket prices, equalling or exceedingthose paid for noble, Shasta red, andsilver firs.

The species is not entirely free fromproblems. Average growth rates werepoor, but trees free of competition, aswould be the case in a Christmas treeplantation, grew at a very acceptablerate. In this test several trees developedmultiple leaders. If this is a commoncharacteristic, culturing work by Christ-mas tree growers may be necessary.Danger of attack by balsam woolly aphidis also present, but damage from thispest may be minimized by harvestingtrees at an earl y age.

Further Tests NeededCorkbark fir warrants further study as

a Christmas tree species in the PacificNorthwest. It should he tested at differ-ent elevations and on different soil types.Areas of mineral soil, bare and relativelyfree from vegetative competition, ap-pear necessary for satisfactory growthand survival. Planting should probablybe avoided on compacted soil, exposedsubsoil or on areas commonly subjectto late spring frosts.

Reprinted from THE AMERICAN C IIRISTNIAS TREE G ROWERS ' JOURNAL, February, 1962

Purchased by die U. S. Forest Service for Official Use.

Corkbark Fir for Christmas Trees /e

In 1952, a small planting of corkbarkfir (Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica) wasmade in western Oregon to determinehow this variety compares to nativeNorthwest conifers in desirable Christ-mas tree characteristics. Interest cen-tered on survival, growth rate, form, andfoliage color as well as on resistance toinsects and diseases. Examination of thisplantation 8 years later reveals trees ofexceptional color, taper, balance, anddensity, indicating corkbark fir may bewell adapted to Christmas tree produc-tion in at least some portions of westernOregon and Washington.

Native of SouthwestCorkbark fir is a variety of subalpine

fir (Abies lasiocarpa) characterized bysoft, corky bark. It is indigenous to Ari-zona, New Mexico, and southern Colo-rado, and is found growing in associationwith Engelmann spruce (Picea engel-mannii) and subalpine fir. It is found ongravelly soils or on thinly covered rockat 8,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Maturetrees average 50 to 75 feet tall and 12 to20 inches in diameter.

Trial Made in Western OregonCascades

The plantation was established on aclear-cut area on the II. j. Andrews Ex-perimental Forest in the McKenzie Riverdrainage of western Oregon's CascadeRange. It occupies a gentle, northeast-facing slope at an elevation of 2,900 feetwith a moderately deep, clay loam soil.Virgin old-growth Douglas-fir timber hadbeen removed from the planting site theprevious year. Logging debris on part ofthe area was disposed of by controlledbroadcast burning. A dense growth ofshrub and herbaceous vegetation devel-oped on the burned area in later years,while the unburned area remained rela-tively free of vegetative competition.

A total of 360 2-year-old corkbark firseedlings were hand planted with aplanting hoe in March 1952. Half of thetrees were planted on an unburned siteand half on a burned area. Survival was

Research forester, Pacific Northwest Forestand Range Experiment Station, Forest Serv,ice, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Port-land, Oregon. Stationed at the CorvallisResearch Center, maintained in cooperationwith the Oregon State University School ofForestry at Corvallis, Oregon.

JERRY F. FRANKLIN*

recorded in August 1953, and survivaland height were recorded in April 1960.

Survival and Growth EncouragingSixty percent of the planted seedlings

survived eight growing seasons. Three-fourths of the mortality occurred the first2 years following planting. In 1960,survival was better on the unburnedthan on the burned site, with 1.24 and91 trees surviving, respectively. Theplantation averaged 2.22 feet in height,including trees which had been sup-pressed by competing vegetation.

Individual trees made good growth,however, with 48 seedlings 3 feet ormore in height and the largest 5.6 feettall. Striking differences in growth rateexisted between . the burned and un-burned portions of the plantation. Treesaveraged more than a foot taller on theunburned area — 2.7 feet versus 1.6 feet.The difference was probably partiallydue to vegetative competition on theburned area. Growth of seedlings planted on compacted soil or on exposedsubsoil was exceptionally poor.

More than half of the seedlings hadgood form and color and would makeU. S. Premium grade Christmas trees.

4

Figure 1.-----A vigorous specimen of cork-bark fir 8 years after planting.

Several were harvested from the planta-tion during past years, and all stumpshad basal branches turning- tip to pro-duce new trees.

Damage Limited to FrostThe only extensive damage suffered

by the plantation was in May 1960 whena late frost killed many of the newshoots, then 1 to 2 inches long. Theplantation remained relatively free fromdamage by insect or disease. No infesta-tion of balsam woolly aphid (Chermespiceae Hats.) was present, althoughcorkbark fir has been attacked elsewherein the Northwest. A light infestation ofwoolly aphid has been reported on treesplanted in an arboretum in southwesternWashington. A needle rust ( Uredinopsismacrosperma) was found on trees in theplantation in past years, but had noserious effect.

Resembles Blue SpruceThe most outstanding attribute of this

fir is its attractive silvery appearance,similar to that of the blue form of bluespruce (Picea pungens). Good-qualityspecimens should command premiummarket prices, equalling or exceedingthose paid for noble, Shasta red, andsilver firs.

The species is not entirely free fromproblems. Average growth rates werepoor, but trees free of competition, aswould be the case in a Christmas treeplantation, grew at a very acceptablerate. In this test several trees developedmultiple leaders. If this is a commoncharacteristic, culturing work by Christ-mas tree growers may be necessary.Danger of attack by balsam woolly aphidis also present, but damage from thispest may be minimized by harvestingtrees at an early age.

Further Tests NeededCorkbark fir warrants further study as

a Christmas tree species in the PacificNorthwest. It should be tested at differ-ent elevations and on different soil types.Areas of mineral soil, bare and relativelyfree from vegetative competition, ap-pear necessary for satisfactory growthand survival. Planting should probablybe avoided on compacted soil, exposedsubsoil or on areas commonly subjectto late spring frosts.

Reprinted from THE AMERICAN CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS ' JOURNAL, February, 1962

Purchased by the U. S. Forest Service for Official Use.