Abies

Abies, also known as firs, are, like the Nordmann fir, evergreen conifers with soft needles that are gentle to the touch and upright cones rather than pendulous like the Picea. They also differ because their needles are arranged in two rows on either side of the twigs. Each needle-shaped leaf is marked with two white stripes on the reverse. They are very hardy trees and shrubs and generally like cool conditions, which they find in higher altitudes.