Canaan Fir (Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis)
| Needle retention | Excellent: combines balsam character with Fraser-like needle retention |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Balsam-like, pleasant |
| Needles | Short, relatively soft needles around 1 in |
| Ornaments | Sturdy enough for heavy ornaments |
| Color | Dark green with a blue hint underneath |
| Grown in | Named for Canaan Valley, West Virginia; seed collections above ~3,000 ft; grown in the East and Midwest |
| USDA zones | 3-6 (for planting a living tree; find your zone by ZIP) |
Worth knowing
- A relative newcomer to the market, often confused with Fraser and balsam fir.
Care notes
Whatever the species: make a fresh half-inch cut off the trunk before it goes in the stand, use a stand that holds a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter, top it up daily, and keep the tree away from heat. Details in the care guide.
Sources: National Christmas Tree Association: Tree Varieties · PA Christmas Tree Growers Association: Selection Guide · Illinois Christmas Tree Association: Compare Varieties · NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox