A majestic tree with a conical shape reminiscent of the famous "Christmas tree" , the silver fir, also known as the white fir or common fir, is found in many forests in southern, western and central Europe, particularly in mountainous regions, generally at altitudes of between 400 and 1,800 m, from montane to lower subalpine, but not exclusively, since it is also abundant in Normandy, under the name "Normandy fir" in French, at lower altitudes. It appreciates a certain amount of humidity, and therefore thrives best on the ubacs, the slopes that benefit from less sun exposure in the mountains.
It is particularly characteristic of the Black Forest, the Carpathians and the Appennines. In France, it is widespread in the Alps, the Jura, the Massif Central, Corsica and the Vosges.
The tallest tree in Europe, it can reach heights of up to 80 m and has a lifespan of up to 500 years.
It is characterised by its persistent, non-prickly needles, which are dark green on top and streaked with 2 white stripes on the underside.
Among the conifers, within the Pinaceae family, the genus of Fir (Abies) is different from that of Spruce (Picea), one of the typical differences being that Firs have their cones pointing upwards, like candles on the branches, whereas in Spruces, the cones, or "pine cones", point downwards.
The needles of silver firs are rich in aromatic compounds, and steam distillation produces an essential oil rich in monoterpenes, notably (-)-limonene, alpha-pinene and camphene.
Its invigorating, balsamic fragrance is an immediate invitation to breathe, and this essential oil is one of the most effective air fresheners. It is also renowned for combating respiratory infections. Its richness in terpenes with anti-inflammatory properties is one reason why it has long been used to combat pain and rheumatism.
It should be noted that half of the limonene in this essential oil is levorotatory limonene, which has a fresh, clear fragrance, whereas the limonene found in citrus fruits is predominantly dextrorotatory ((+)-limonene), which has a sweeter odour. This characteristic gives this essential oil a lively fragrance, the freshest of all the conifers, with marked effects on the psycho-emotional sphere: it restores energy, regenerates and sharpens tired minds and improves mood.
