Canaan Fir
Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis
The Canaan Fir combines the appealing features of the Balsam Fir—such as its attractive appearance and delightful fragrance—with the excellent needle retention of the Fraser Fir. Although often mistaken for a hybrid, it is a distinct seed source of Balsam Fir originating from the Canaan Valley in West Virginia.
Notable for being one of the fastest-growing true fir species, the Canaan Fir thrives in areas with relatively high summer temperatures and can tolerate heavier, wetter soils better than the Fraser Fir. It breaks dormancy late in the spring, making it ideal for regions prone to late spring frosts. Like all true firs, it requires sufficient precipitation during the growing season to flourish. Additionally, the Canaan Fir may be less attractive to deer when Fraser Firs are nearby.
(Image: Armintrout's Nursery)
Zones: 4 to 7
Height: 50-70 ft
Width: 15-25 ft
Growth Rate: 10-18 in
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade