Grand Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Grand Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir

Abies amabilis

Abies grandis

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Pacific Silver Fir
Grand 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.

Pacific Silver Fir thrives in cool, moist, high-elevation forests. It is the most shade-tolerant of the true firs and among the most shade-tolerant of all native conifers, allowing it to grow beneath the canopy of older trees. It provides cover for wildlife and food from its seeds, while also contributing to the structure and stability of mountain forest ecosystems.

The species is harvested for timber and pulp and has been used ornamentally in some plantings. Well-suited for ecological restoration, naturalization, and habitat projects where native conifers are needed. Pacific Silver Fir lives up to its Latin name, amabilis, meaning “lovely,” in recognition of its striking appearance.

Grand Fir is a large, coniferous evergreen native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Closely related to the White Fir, this tree has glossy green, needle-like leaves with notched ends. A tall, majestic tree, Grand Fir grows best in drier climates.

We currently have no plans to produce the Grand Fir. However, you will find that we are producing a number of quality alternatives.

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Grand Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 39 m (130 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


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


Native to: BC
Native to: BC
Other Names: amabilis fir, silver fir
Other Names: giant fir, great silver fir, lowland white fir, oregon fir, vancouver fir, western white fir