Balsam Fir

Characteristics & Cultural Requirements

• Height/Spread: 50-70’ tall by 15-25’ wide
• Habit/Form: Upright, pyramidal
• Hardiness Zone: 3-6
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist/well-drained soil

Ornamental Value

With the spread of Spruce diseases decimating our beloved Colorado Blue Spruce growers have been encouraging landscapers and consumers alike to avoid the use of Colorado Spruce and other closely related Spruce species. So what do we use when looking for a large evergreen or group of evergreens to add to our landscapes? Consider the Balsam Fir. Yes, the Christmas tree! Balsam Fir are native to the far northern parts of the United States, do well in a variety of growing conditions, and have minimal disease and insect problems. This tree has attractive dark green needles and a strong pyramidal shape along with purple cones that stand upright on the branches when young.

Landscape Uses

Windbreaks, specimen trees, privacy plantings