Cooks Blue Balsam Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Cooks Blue Balsam Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir

Abies amabilis

Abies balsamea Cooks Blue

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Pacific Silver Fir
Cooks Blue Balsam 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.
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.

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.

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Cooks Blue Balsam Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
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


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


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