Baishanzu in southern Zhejiang province in eastern China, where it grows at 1,850 metres (6,070 ft) altitude and is threatened by collection and climate change.

Abies beshanzuensis is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.

By 1987, only three trees were left in the wild, making it the rarest conifer in the world.

The shoots are stout, pale yellow-brown, hairless or slightly hairy.

The leaves are linear, 1.5–4 centimetres (0.59–1.57 in) long and 2.5–3.5 millimetres (0.098–0.138 in) wide, glossy green above, and with two white stomatal bands below.