Silver Leaf Willow vs Cooks Blue Balsam Fir - TreeTime.ca

Silver Leaf Willow vs Cooks Blue Balsam Fir

Abies balsamea Cooks Blue

Salix alba sericea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Cooks Blue Balsam Fir
Silver Leaf Willow

Cooks Blue Balsam Fir is a blue tinged selection of Balsam Fir. Preferring slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, this beautiful tree is loved among Christmas tree growers due to its striking color and pyramidal shape.

As Cooks Blue Balsam Fir matures, you'll notice that the color of the needles will intensify. Keep in mind this selection was grown from seed and the needles can vary in color from shades of green to blue. Nitrogen rich soil helps the needles retain their vibrant color.

Please be aware that this variety does not do well in intense heat, drying winds, or seasonal drought.

Native to North America, Silver Leaf Willow has orangish bark and long, silvery grey leaves. Bees and other insects are attracted to its flowers.

Popular as an ornamental tree for parks, it is also used as a shelterbelt species. It may not be as cold hardy as some of the other willow varieties, however.

Cooks Blue Balsam Fir Quick Facts

Silver Leaf Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Foliage: narrow-glossy
Fall colour: pale yellow
Bark: yellow-brown
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: white willow