Engelmann Spruce vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Engelmann Spruce vs Pacific Silver Fir

Picea engelmannii

Abies amabilis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Engelmann Spruce
Pacific Silver Fir

Engelmann Spruce is a tall, cold resistant tree native to western North America. This high-altitude mountain tree has characteristic loose, scaly bark ranging in colour from reddish-brown to grey.

Birds such as grouse, woodpeckers, nuthatches and thrushes will call this tree home. As Engelmann Spruce can exceed heights of 100 feet, consumers should note it is too large for a normal city lot.

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.

Engelmann Spruce Quick Facts

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, conical
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none


Foliage: blue-green needles
Bark: smooth, grey
Cones: purplish, disintegrate as they mature
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: BC
Other Names: amabilis fir, silver fir