Subalpine Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Subalpine Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir

Abies amabilis

Abies lasiocarpa

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Pacific Silver Fir
Subalpine 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.

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.

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Subalpine Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 4a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
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
Native to: BC, YT
Other Names: amabilis fir, silver fir