Fir tree Identity card

Scientific name: Abies

Classification: Pinaceae family 

Number of species: 46

Common fir

Scientific name: Abies alba

Maximum tree height: 50 m

Maximum tree diameter: 15 m

Density: 0,45 to 0,55

Wood characteristics: Matt white wood or lightly tinted reddish brown. Variable thread, generally very straight. Undifferentiated sapwood. Soft and light. Wood not very durable.

Mechanical properties: High axial strengths for the weight. Stiffer and less resilient than spruce. Weak transverse cohesion. 

Technological properties: Easy sawing with tendency to tear the fibers. Easy machining. Sticks very well, paints well.

Comments: The wood imported under the name Sapin du Nord is not fir, but spruce or Scots pine.