subalpine fir
Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.
Ceremonial & Cultural Notes
Spiritual/Religious: The needles are used for ceremonial incense Commentary: Sub-alpine Fir is the prototypical species, although other Abies spp., Picea engelmannii, and Pseudostuga menziesii are referred by the same Arapaho terms.2
Needles burned as incense in ceremonies by persons afraid of thunder Additional commentary: Abies lasiocarpa and Abies bifolia were once considered the same species, but are now recognized as distinct. It is a strong possibility, given the two species geographical distribution, that the Cheyenne used Abies bifolia, but was identified by Grinnell as Abies lasiocarpa. Similar to Juniper, the Cheyenne believe that lightning would never strike a fir tree (Abies lasiocarpa). Consequently, according to Cheyenne elders, its leaves were burned in much the same manner, both as a purifying agent and in alleviating the fear of thunder. Leaves would be burned while thunder was present in the sky, to protect an individual and give him or her confidence that s/he would not be struck by lightning, thunder’s companion. Healers also would burn the needles, using its smoke and aroma to frighten away bad spirits that are harming the patient. The smoke would make a doctor’s medicine stronger and more pure, and make the patient more receptive. Occasionally a fir tree will exhibit a twig or two whose needles are a yellowish color. The yellow coloring is caused by a fungus (Melampsorella elatina). Such branches are burned as a purifying agent in ceremonies, including the Sun Dance. Perhaps due to its rarity, yellowed fir needles were often mixed with other herbs when burned on a coal, particularly with sweet grass, Hierochloe odorata.2 In addition to its uses as an adjuvant and as ceremonial medicine, Moerman acknowledges this species’ use as a stimulant and in witchcraft.3
Burning needle smoke and aroma used to chase away bad influences (illness) or ill-spirits.
Used by Sun Dancers for confidence and protection from thunder and for purification.
Plant used to revive a dying person's spirit. Additional commentary: Moerman acknowledges this species’ use as a stimulant and in witchcraft.7
Botanical Reference
Parts Documented: Needles, plant
Distribution: Mountain slopes, sub-alpine to alpine. Range extends from Yukon south to New Mexico; Mountain slopes, sub-alpine to alpine. Range extends from Yukon south to New Mexico.