Lodgepole Pine vs Pacific Silver Fir - TreeTime.ca

Lodgepole Pine vs Pacific Silver Fir

Pinus contorta var. latifolia

Abies amabilis

CUSTOM GROW

Lodgepole Pine
Pacific Silver Fir

Lodgepole pine is well suited to western Canada's climate and growing conditions. This native pine noted for its rapid growth among evergreen. And as one of Canada's hardiest conifers, it can tolerate cold, shade, drought, and poor soil conditions.

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.

Pacific Silver Fir thrives in cool, moist, high-elevation forests. It is the most shade-tolerant of the true firs and among the most shade-tolerant of all native conifers, allowing it to grow beneath the canopy of older trees. It provides cover for wildlife and food from its seeds, while also contributing to the structure and stability of mountain forest ecosystems.

The species is harvested for timber and pulp and has been used ornamentally in some plantings. Well-suited for ecological restoration, naturalization, and habitat projects where native conifers are needed. Pacific Silver Fir lives up to its Latin name, amabilis, meaning “lovely,” in recognition of its striking appearance.

Lodgepole Pine Quick Facts

Pacific Silver Fir Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $0.99 - SAVE UP TO 70%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 5a
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: very 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

In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Native to: BC
Other Names: amabilis fir, silver fir