Tree Abies balsamea [Balsam Fir] Used mainly as a specimen tree and popular as a Christmas tree. Does not hold its needles very long in a dry house and for this reason is no as desirable as pines. In youth it looks good but under hot, dry conditions may lose he older needles and become open and unkempt.
Tree Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis [Canaan Fir] The Canaan Fir is more tolerant of different environmental conditions than many other firs. It can tolerate wetter soils, and because of its later bud break, is more resistant to damage caused by late spring frost. Can be affected by spruce budworms, wooly adelgid, and several canker diseases, as well as deer. This species transplants well.
Tree Abies concolor [White Fir] Similar to Picea pungens f. glauca in color and general form, but less positive, and so easier to use in a variety of situations. Better adapted to hot, dry summers than most other firs.
Tree Abies concolor 'Blue Select' [Blue Select White Fir] Better adapted to hot, dry summers than most other firs. 'Blue Select' is noted for its intense blue upright needles.
Tree Abies concolor 'Conica' [Conica White Fir] 'Conica' is a narrow habit white fir, with a spread reaching 10-15' wide. Similar to Picea pungens f. glauca in color and general form, but less positive, and easier to use in a variety of situations. Better adapted to hot, dry summers than most other firs, but prefers cooler cilmates.
Tree Abies fraseri [Frasier Fir] Can suffer in hot, dry situations, but performs better in drier conditions than Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir). This species has become a popular Christmas tree.
Tree Abies koreana [Korean Fir] This fir is slightly more heat tolerant than others, but still does best in cold climates.
Tree Abies nordmanniana [Nordmann Fir] In the wild, this species can reach over a staggering 200'. Many uses for this tree are for spacious parks and screening.
Shrub Agave americana [Century Plant] Can take as few as 10 years to flower in warm climates, to 60 years in colder climates. Once it flowers, it dies and offsets around the base of the original plant eventually form a group of new plants. Suckers produced from the main plant may take only 10-15 years to flower. Beware of thick point tips on its leaves, prune off to protect children. Some susceptibility to Agape weevil, especially when weakened.
