Plants

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 not as desirable as pines. In youth it looks good but under hot, dry conditions may lose the older needles and become open and unkempt.

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.

Abies borisii-regis

[Bulgarian Fir]

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abies homolepis

[Nikko Fir]

Often damaged by deer.

Abies koreana

[Korean Fir]

This fir is slightly more heat tolerant than others, but still does best in cold climates.

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.