Bristlecone Fir
Abies bracteata (D.Don) Poit.
Abies bracteata, known as the bristlecone fir or Santa Lucia fir, is the rarest fir in North America. It is native to the Santa Lucia Mountains in the Big Sur region of central coastal California, where it grows on steep slopes and in rocky canyon bottoms.
Description
Abies bracteata (D.Don) Poit., a member of the Pinaceae family, is a fir species endemic to the Santa Lucia Mountains in California. It is restricted to steep-sided slopes and the floors of rocky canyons within the Big Sur region. The species was first described in 1845 and is commonly referred to as the bristlecone fir or Santa Lucia fir in English. Its limited distribution and specific habitat requirements make it one of the least widespread fir species in North America.
Other common names
Bristlecone FirSanta Lucia Fir
Distribution
Global · California
Synonyms
Sequoia giganteaPinus venustaPicea bracteataPinus bracteataAbies venustaAbies venusta