West Virginia Balsam Fir Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Abies balsamea subsp. phanerolepis
- Abies intermedia
- Description
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Canaan Fir is a needled evergreen tree found in the high elevation mountains of West Virginia and Virginia. The common name Cannan comes from the Canaan Valley which is located northeast of Elkins, WV. It is similar to Fraser and Balsam Firs in both appearance and growth rate. It tolerates wet soils better than other firs though it prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils. Its buds break later than Fraser or Balsam Fir so it is less susceptible to frost damage. This handsome formal densely branched conical tree makes an ideal accent plant, small grouping, screening or it can be used as a Christmas tree.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Abies
- Species:
- balsamea
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Appalachian Mountains
- Distribution:
- WV, VA
- Dimensions:
- Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 55 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Columnar
- Dense
- Pyramidal
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Cultural Conditions:
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- 24-60 feet
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Purple/Lavender
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Fruit Description:
- Violet cones turn gray-brown when mature
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Needles
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 3/4"-1" long flat soft needles dark green above and silvery blue white somatic bands on the underside. The needles are highly fragrant.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
