MT HOOD NATIVE PLANTS
The Noble Fir
The Noblest of Christmas Trees
The Noble Fir (Abies procera) is native to the Cascade Range in western Oregon, growing at elevations of 1200 – 6000 feet. The open, symmetrical arrangement of needles on stiff branches coupled with the blue-green tint on the upper side and the upright purlple-tinged cones makes the Noble Fir a spectacular tree for decorating.
In nature, the Noble grows 140-200 feet tall with a 3-5 foot diameter trunk. Of course, the typical Christmas Tree is much smaller.
The Holiday Season is a time filled with the aroma of refreshing evergreens, mulled cider and spicy bayberry candles. The following recipe will fill your home with the fragrant spirit of the holiday season.
4 cups Cedar Tips (Green)
2 cups Cockscomb Flowers Dyed Red
1-1/2 cups Anise (Star) - Standard
1 cup Juniper Berries (Red) - Whole
1 cup Lemon Verbena Leaves
1 cup Noble Fir Cone Scales
1 cup Oak Moss - Whole
1 cup Pine Cones - Hemlock
1 cup Rose Hips - Whole
1 cup Sage - Whole (Spice Section)
1/2 cup Allspice (Mexican) Whole
1/2 cup Balsam Fir Needles
1/2 cup Cloves - Whole
1/2 cup Rosemary - Whole (Spices)
1 cup Apple Dices (1/2 in.) Dried
1 cup Ginger Root Slices
OIL: Christmas or Evergreen
November/December 2007
Our stories are written by Andrée Larson. Andrée grew up in the Portland/Vancouver area. She earned an MA in Art History at the University of Oregon, and writes about the history and culture of people and communities. She’s spent time in Europe and on the East Coast, and says the Pacific Northwest is hands down the best place to live. She currently lives in Tacoma with her husband, an artist..