Western Red Cedar vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Western Red Cedar vs Pacific Silver Fir

Thuja plicata

Abies amabilis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Western Red Cedar
Pacific Silver Fir

Western Red Cedar is native to the Pacific Northwest, and is the largest tree in the cypress family. Featuring horizontal branching with scale-like dark green foliage that has a strong aroma. The wood is naturally durable and light, and is resistant to decay and insects, making it sought after for house siding, paneling, furniture, and fences. This is British Columbia's official tree.

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.

Western Red Cedar Quick Facts

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 5a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
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: AB, BC
Native to: BC
Other Names: giant cedar, pacific red cedar
Other Names: amabilis fir, silver fir