Subalpine Fir vs Western White Pine - TreeTime.ca

Subalpine Fir vs Western White Pine

Pinus monticola

Abies lasiocarpa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Western White Pine
Subalpine Fir

The Western White Pine is long-long lived conifer that featuring a narrow, open, conical crown of horizontal branches with blue-green needles. It is native to the Pacific Northwest in the mountain region. As a timber species the Western White Pine is highly valued. This evergreen is similar to the Eastern White Pine, but has stiffer needles, the growth is more dense, and it tends to have larger cones.

Subalpine Fir is pyramidal, coniferous tree often found growing naturally in areas with higher elevation. A lover of cool and moist soils, this adaptable tree bears unique and attractive cones that take on a purplish-black color and grow vertically.

Subalpine Fir is often used in naturalization projects, however, this variety will act as a beautiful specimen tree on its own. Subalpine Fir has also been used to create screens and windbreaks, but keep in mind this slow grower will take some time before reaching a height that is suitable for wind protection.

Western White Pine Quick Facts

Subalpine Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 3b
Zone: 4a
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: BC, YT
Other Names: idaho white pine, mountain white pine, silver pine