Canaan Fir; Bracted Balsam Fir Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis

Unavailable in 2024

Canaan fir is an attractive medium-sized tree generally reaching 40-55 feet in height and 20-25 feet in width. It exhibits a relatively dense, pyramidal crown with a slender spire-like tip that often imparts a formal appearance. Foliage color is lustrous dark green to bluish green with silvery stomatic bands on the underside of the needles.

An important asset of Canaan fir is its ability to grow in areas not well suited to other native firs. It will tolerate wetter soils than Fraser fir and is more resistant to spring frost injury than either Fraser or balsam fir because of its tendency to break bud late. While Canaan fir will tolerate soils with less than perfect drainage, it performs best in deep, well-drained loam with ample moisture. Some sources indicate that Canaan fir grows well in wet, poorly drained soils.

In recent years, considerable interest has developed in using Canaan fir as a Christmas tree species. Unfortunately, its use as a landscape ornamental has gone largely unnoticed. This handsome conifer deserves wider use in the landscape.