FORESTS OF MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK. 

 AMABILIS FIR (ABIES AMABILIS). 1 



15 



Amabilis fir (figs. 9 and 10) ranges from southern Alaska to Ore- 

 gon. It is abundant in the park at elevations from 2,500 to 5,000 feet 

 on level bench lands, and gentle slopes with a northern exposure. It 

 is rarely found in unmixed stands, but is usually associated with 

 western hemlock, Douglas fir, and noble fir. The largest trees are 

 150 to 180 feet high and 3 to 5 feet in diameter. In dense forests the 

 stem is free from branches for 50 to 100 feet. 



FIG. 9. Amabilis fir (Abies amabilix\. 



At altitudes over 4,000 feet, small amabilis firs often occur in 

 clusters and open groves. The trunk is covered with branches which 

 grow to the ground, turning downward and outward in long grace- 

 ful curves, admirably adapted to withstand the pressure of the 

 frozen snow. The foliage is a deep and brilliant green, forming 

 a strong contrast to the dark-purple cones. The seeds ripen each year 



1 This species is known as silver fir in Crater Lake Park. 



