Flaky Fir

The Flaky Fir (Abies Squamata) is an upright conifer with dark blue-green needles with silvery undersides.  It produces strikingly colored erect velvety-purple cones.  Its brown exfoliating bark offers winter interest.  It is originally From China and is fairly rare in the U.S.  It prefers full sun and does best in well-drained soil.  In nature it can grow to 120 feet.  It takes well to wiring and can tolerate winter lows to -20 degrees.  Because of  all the above, and many other reasons, this is a great subject for the bonsai hobbyist.