Balsam Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir

Abies amabilis

Abies balsamea

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Pacific Silver Fir
Balsam Fir

Pacific Silver Fir is a tall evergreen tree native to the Pacific Northwest. It has two-toned needles, dark green on top with silvery undersides, giving the tree a distinctive appearance. The straight trunk and dense, symmetrical crown make it a striking forest species.
It provides ecological value as part of high-elevation forests, offering cover for wildlife and food from its seeds. It is harvested for timber and pulp, and it has been used ornamentally in some plantings.
Pacific Silver Fir is well suited for ecological restoration, naturalization, and habitat projects where native conifers are needed. Its latin name “Amabilis” means ‘Lovely’, due to its striking appearance.

Balsam Fir - best known as a "Christmas tree" - doesn't just look great in living rooms; it's a terrific tree for your yard too!

This fir grows tall and narrow. Balsam Fir is cold hardy, shade tolerant, and will thrive in most soil types and moisture levels.

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Balsam Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, conical
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none


Bark: smooth, grey
Cones: purplish, disintegrate as they mature
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: BC
Native to: AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Other Names: amabilis fir, silver fir
Other Names: balm of gilead, blister fir, canada balsam, eastern fir, fir-balsam