Vernon Quam White Fir

Vernon Quam White Fir is listed in this catalog as *Abies concolor* ‘Vernon Quam’, but I could not verify a cultivar-specific nursery or botanical profile. White fir is a cool-climate evergreen with blue-green to silvery needles; the name and current size figures should be treated as provisional until a source tied to this selection is found. ## Landscape use White fir has a conical outline and can contribute year-round evergreen structure as a specimen or grouped accent. The current catalog lists this selection at **8–12 feet tall and 5–7 feet wide**, but I found no reliable source confirming those selection-specific dimensions. Mature white fir species examples can grow much larger, so do not substitute species dimensions for this named record or assume that its compact size is established. ## Growing conditions Utah State University describes white fir as native to western mountain regions, preferring cool, moist, protected locations and tolerating shade. It needs shelter from exposed winds and generally does poorly in high-pH soil. USU’s arboretum profile lists low water use and warns against wet soil; its water-wise guide places white fir in a zone calling for about two irrigations monthly in its Utah context. Together these sources support a moderate-water, well-drained planting—not a promise of survival without irrigation. The cited species range is USDA Zones 3–7; the existing 4–7 record is left in place because no zone guidance specific to ‘Vernon Quam’ was found. Salt and salt-spray tolerance are unverified. ## Cultivar identity The catalog name suggests a selected form, but I found no trustworthy record identifying its originator, breeder, current brand, or patent. This entry is retained because the available evidence does not establish that it is obsolete or redundant. ## Sources - Species identity and site guidance: [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/tree-identification/true-firs/white-fir). - Water use and wet-soil caution: [USU Varga Arboretum](https://extension.usu.edu/botanicalcenter/trees-of-varga-arboretum/white-fir). - Utah irrigation context: [USU Water-Wise Landscaping](https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/files/publications/other-publications/water-wise-landscaping.pdf). ## Maintenance Choose a cool, protected site with good drainage. Water regularly while establishing, then irrigate during extended dry periods; avoid persistently wet soil and exposed, hot wind. Remove only damaged or dead branches unless a documented cultivar source later recommends a specific pruning approach.