Canaan Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Canaan Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir

Abies balsamea phanerolepis

Abies amabilis

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Canaan Fir
Pacific Silver Fir

Canaan Fir, which is closely related to Balsam Fir, is known for its open-growing patterns and strong branches.

Canaan Fir is highly adaptable to many soil conditions and thrives in both shaded areas or direct sunlight. It is commonly used for Christmas tree farming or reforestation.

This rugged landscape tree remains green year-round.

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.

Canaan Fir Quick Facts

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Spread: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
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

In row spacing: 3 m (10 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: BC
Other Names: amabilis fir, silver fir