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, 15-30' average height at maturity
Buds: thinly resinous
Leaves: evergreen, thickly set on stem, .5-.75" long, notched or rounded at tip (which is broadest part of needle), dark green on top, two whitish bands divided by thin green midrib
Twigs: slightly pubescent and yellowish when young, becoming glabrous and purplish later
Flowers: monoecious
Fruit: cylindrical, 2-3" long, 1" wide, rich purple
Bark: rough on older trees
