The silver fir from Köhler’s Medicinal Plants / Abies alba

File-size: 5600 x 8000 Pixel. 

This is a digital image of Abies alba, with yhe common name silver fir. The image is sourced from Köhler's Medicinal Plants of 1887.

Abies alba, commonly known as the silver fir, is an iconic coniferous tree species found in Europe's alpine and montane forests. It can grow up to 60 meters tall and lives for more than 500 years. As a timber species, its wood is strong, durable and used in construction and paper production industries. The bark contains tannins that can be used for leather tanning while needles are also widely used to extract essential oils and resin. In addition to its economic importance, Abies alba plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by providing habitat for various forest dwelling flora and fauna including mushrooms, birds, butterflies as well as wildlife such as deer and squirrels.