Fraser Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Fraser Fir vs Pacific Silver Fir

Abies amabilis

Abies fraseri

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Pacific Silver Fir
Fraser 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.

Fraser Fir is a great choice for a Christmas tree, or as an addition to your landscape. It retains its needles when cut, has good branch strength, and grows into the classic conical Christmas tree shape. When the cones are young they emerge purple, which adds an additional splash of colour to the tree.

Fraser Fir may suffer in warmer climates, we do not recommend this tree in hardiness zones 7 or higher. It is very similar to Balsam Fir, and can freely be used as a substitute.

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Fraser Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 4a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 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
Other Names: frasers balsam fir, frasier fir, she balsam, southern balsam fir