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Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa)

Tree
A. subalpina. Pinus lasiocarpa.
View Images of Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa)
Common Name Latin Name Plant Family
Subalpine Fir
Abies lasiocarpa
Pinaceae

The fragrant young leaves and twigs are used to repel moths or are burnt as an incense[46, 61, 169, 257]. They were also ground into a powder and used to make a baby powder and perfumes[226, 257].

A gum is obtained from the bark. It is antiseptic[46, 61] and was chewed by the N. American Indians in order to clean the teeth[226]. It was also used to plug holes in canoes[226].

An infusion of the leaves is used as a hair tonic[257]. The leaves can also be placed in the shoes as a foot deodorant[257].

Wood – light, soft, not strong. It is little used except as a fuel and for pulp[46, 61, 82]. The native North American Indians used it for making chairs and insect-proof storage boxes[257]. It was also used as a fuel and was said to burn for a long time[257].

  • Medicinal Use

    Antiseptic[46, 61]. The gummy exudate that appears on the bark was soaked in water until soft and then applied to wounds[213].

    An infusion of the resin has been used as an emetic to cleanse the insides[257]. The resin has also been chewed to treat bad breath[257].

    A decoction of the bark is used as a tonic and in the treatment of colds and flu[257].

    A poultice of the leaves has been used to treat chest colds and fevers[257]. An infusion has been taken to treat the coughing up of blood, which can be the first sign of TB, and as a laxative[257].

  • Edible Use

    The shoot tips are used as a tea substitute[177, 183].

    The cones can be ground into a fine powder, then mixed with fat and used as a confection[257]. It is said to be a delicacy and an aid to the digestion[257].

    The resin from the trunk is used as a chewing gum[257]. It is said to treat bad breath[257].

    Inner bark[257]. No more information is given, but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used with cereal flours when making bread etc[K].

    Seeds[257]. No more information is given, but the seeds are very small and fiddly to use. Seeds of this genus are generally oily with a resinous flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked[K].

  • Cautionary Notes

    None known

Cultivation & Habitat

Seed – sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March[78]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 – 8 weeks[78]. Stratification is said to produce a more even germination so it is probably best to sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[80, 113]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[113]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Alternatively, if you have sufficient seed, it is possible to sow in an outdoor seedbed. One report says that it is best to grow the seedlings on in the shade at a density of about 550 plants per square metre[78] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[80].
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[81]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[1]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[200]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[200]. Occasionally planted for timber in N. Europe[50] but this species does not thrive in Britain[11]. It is a very cold-hardy tree but the milder winters of this country make it susceptible to damage by aphis and late frosts[1, 11, 81]. The sub-species A. lasiocarpa arizonica. (Merriam.)Lemmon. is growing somewhat better here[185]. Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm in height. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[200]. Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200]. The crushed foliage has a balsam aroma[185].
Western N. America – Alaska to Arizona and New Mexico.

Become ungovernable, break the chains of the matrix; grow and forage your own food and medicine.

*None of the information on this website qualifies as professional medical advice. Take only what resonates with your heart and use your own personal responsibility for what’s best for you. For more information [brackets] [000], see bibliography.

As with ALL things; Take only what resonates with your heart and higher self, and leave the rest behind.

Repository of Divination tools, News, Elements, Spells, Rituals, Clearings, Entities, Ascension; Kitty is a magpie at heart, gathering information trinkets from everywhere and sharing them here in hopes that some might shine a light on your journey in this Incarnation. Please only take what resonates with your heart and leave the rest behind. Tionscadal Mo Chroi (Project of my heart) Lovingly curated by Kitty, bean draío leabharlannaí (Librarian Witch)

  • For any question, you can cast a handful or bag of Runes and read the meaning of the runes that land face up only.
  • You may cast them into a circle (drawn with chalk or as a pattern on a cloth). Read the runes that land inside the circle AND face up.
  • If The Eye (Witches Rune) or Tiwaz (Elder Futhark) appears amongst the runes when cast, pay extra attention to where the eye is looking or Tiwaz is pointing.
  • Pro Tip: You can also use runes just as you would the Tarot, with ANY tarot spread. Simply pull one at a time from your bag to fill the layout.

*while Witches’ and Elder Futhark are different sets of runes, (just as English and Gaelic are different languages) I use mine together;  my rune casts are “bilingual”. I have made the same choice in my online rune layouts. Alainn Tarot interactive includes both sets at the same time. 

These are plants that grow in my own yard or elements that I keep in stock personally, gathered in a single category for my own quick navigation.