Common uses and applications
Amabilis fir is commonly sold and shipped together with western hemlock under the name hem-fir (or hem-bal).
Due to its strength properties, amabilis fir is used for structural products in a wide range of residential and commercial construction, including applications such as framing, sheathing, sub-flooring, concrete forms, decking, planking, beams, posts and prefabricated buildings. Its clean appearance, light weight and colour make it a good choice for doors and windows, furniture parts, mouldings, sauna panelling, and food containers. Low-grade wood is used in both pulp and paper products, as well as for boxes and crates.
Indigenous peoples use firs medicinally, boiling the bark with stinging nettle for a tonic and for bathing, as well as making a tea from the needles to treat colds. The species was also used for floor coverings and bedding, house planks and firewood.
Did you know?
Amabilis fir is also called Pacific silver fir because of the silvery underside of the needles. Its botanical name amabilis means “lovely”, an apt description for this species.
Donguri Anne Public Library, Japan
Photo credit: Canada Wood Japan