Korean Pine vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Korean Pine vs Pacific Silver Fir

Abies amabilis

Pinus koraiensis

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Pacific Silver Fir
Korean Pine

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.

Korean Pine is an attractive conifer suitable for shelterbelts, privacy screens, and ornamental planting. This tree is especially prized for its pine nuts. Korean Pine nuts are larger than most other species. They can be used in salads, pesto sauce, and other foods.

This conifer is generally tolerant of urban conditions but much prefers cool summer climates.

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Korean Pine Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, conical
Spreading: seeds - low
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: long blue-green needles
Bark: smooth, grey
Nuts: large edible seeds
Cones: purplish, disintegrate as they mature
Cones: attractive edible pine nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: BC
Other Names: amabilis fir, silver fir
Other Names: chinese pinenut