Abies cilicica - Cilician fir tree Fact Sheet

Cilician Fir Fact Sheet

Family:  Pinaceae - Pine family
Latin name:  Abies cilicica
Common name:  Cilician fir

Abies cilicica - Cilician fir

Range: Turkey (Asia Minor), Syria and Lebanon
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 6

Photo 1: The green tree near the center of the first photo is a Cilician fir, a conifer that is known for its tall and very narrow conical habit, generally has whorled, dense branches and a straight central leader. Abies cilicica keeps its bottom branches even as it ages. This particular specimen is near Parking 03 at the top of Frost Hill at the Morton Arboretum. The red tree in the foreground is Cedrus libani - Cedar of Lebanon
Photo 2: Taken on August 10. 2008, shows cones of the Cilician fir near the top of the tree and point upward. This is typical of fir trees. No cones were noticed on a visit to the tree on July 4, 2009.
Photo 3: Photo of Abies cilicica closeup of branch showing attachment of needles and circular scars where needles have been shed.
Photo 4: Shows branch of Abies cilicica looking at the top side. New growth is lighter yellowish green. Older grown is much darker. The needles are arranged in a spiral around the stem.
Photo 5: Closeup of photo 4
Photo 6: Underside of branch of Cilicician fir.
Photo 7: Shows greater detail on the stomata on the underside of the needles and the round attachment of needles to the branch are close ups of photo 6.
Photo 8: Shows greater detail on the stomata on the underside of the needles and the round attachment of needles to the branch are close ups of photo 6.
Range: Turkey (Asia Minor), Syria and Lebanon
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 6

Please ask for permission before using my photographs. Larger sizes and additional photographs of the tree are often available.