15/ ABIES  CONCOLOR 

Características: Es una conífera fácil de identificar pues sus acídulas, de color verde-gris, son extraordinariamente largas (hasta 8 cm) y arqueadas ligeramente hacia arriba como en forma de hoz, emitiendo al ser trituradas un olor a bálsamo de limón. Esta acídulas  se insertan en la ramilla en forma de cepillo.

• Porte coniforme, abierto, estando sus ramas ligeramente inclinadas hacia abajo, pudiendo nacer desde la base del tronco, lo que le confiere un bellísimo aspecto.

• Sus estróbilos femeninos (piñas) crecen muy próximos a la copa siendo de unos 10 cm de largo, en su interior los óvulos aparecen desnudos y reciben directamente el polen transportado por el viento. Presentan  un color verde azulado cuando son jóvenes cambiando mas tarde a violeta mate, y permaneciendo su esqueleto sin caer. Los conos masculinos crecen en la parte inferior de las ramas.

• Su corteza gris rugosa, agrietada longitudinalmente,  presenta  numerosas  verrugas resinosas.

Curiosidades: El sufijo “Concolor” procedente del latín significa “con igual color”, ya que sus acidulas tiene la misma coloración en ambas caras.

Longevity: One of the most widely cultivated ornamental conifers. Can reach up to 50 m in height and over 2 m in trunk diameter.

Natural habitat: Named after its place of origin. Native to southern California, Colorado, and Utah, extending into Mexico, where it grows between 900 and 3,600 m altitude. Introduced to Europe in the 19th century. Highly resistant to pests and diseases. Thrives in dry, deep, well-drained soils and tolerates pollution and extremely cold winters (down to –40 °C). Prefers moderate sun or partial shade and neutral to slightly acidic soils.

Distribution in Spain: Commonly planted in parks and gardens for its strong ornamental value. Found in areas such as Madrid, Segovia, eastern Catalonia, Pontevedra, and Gipuzkoa.

Characteristics: Easily recognized by its very long, gray-green needles (up to 8 cm), slightly curved upward like a sickle. When crushed, they release a lemon-balm scent. Needles are arranged like a brush along the twigs. The tree has an open, conical shape, with branches slightly drooping and often growing from the base of the trunk. Female cones grow near the crown, about 10 cm long, bluish-green when young and later turning dull violet; they remain on the tree after maturity. Male cones form on the lower branches. The bark is rough, gray, longitudinally fissured, and marked by resin blisters.

Curiosities: The name concolor comes from Latin, meaning “of the same color,” referring to the similar coloration of the needles on both sides.