Tips for identifying firs: linear needles, flat in cross-section (in contrast to angular spruce), twigs smooth, leaf scars more or less circular, cones upright with scales that fall off at maturity
Size: tree, 30-50' average height at maturity
Buds: ovoid, resinous
Leaves: evergreen, form an almost solid cushion, do not appear two-ranked as some other firs do, .33-1.13" long, flat apex, slightly notched, dark green, glossy above, vivid white stomatal bands on underside
Twigs: deeply grooved
Flowers: monoecious
Fruit: cones cylindrical, 4-5", sometimes ruby-red when young, more often green, pale brown when older
