Fir
Fir Fir, common name for any of a genus of trees (see Pine). The trees, known as true firs, generally have a straight trunk with somewhat pyramidal growth. The branches grow in whorls from the trunk. The cones, which are erect at maturity, are composed of thin, close scales. Each scale bears two winged seeds. The flat leaves are scattered, with the midribs showing clearly on the whitish undersides. About 25 species of true firs are widely scattered throughout the northern hemisphere. The silver fir of Europe sometimes reaches a height of 46 m (150 ft), with large boughs curved upward at their outer extremities. The leaves are dark green above, with two white lines beneath. When seen from below, the tree appears to have a silvery color. It is abundant in the mountains of southern and central Europe. It is also found in Asia, in the Caucasus Mountains. Scientific classification: Firs make up the genus Abies, of the family Pinaceae. The silver fir of Europe is classified as Abies alba; th...