(a.k.a. Silver Fir, Eastern Fir, Canadian Fir)
(Abies balsamea or Pinus balsamea)
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Highly fragrant and very popular as a Christmas tree, Balsam Fir mature to heights of 60-90 feet. This “true fir” species can grow in partial shade and somewhat wetter soils, and can live for over 200 years.
Plug seedlings of Balsam Fir for sale, approx 4-9″ tall [photo is no longer accurate]
SOLD OUT till Spring, sales resume mid Jan 2025
Cosmetic defects: these specific Balsam Fir plug seedlings have a cosmetic defect and do not have a perfect appearance: some of their needles have turned brown at the tips because they got too much sun this past summer…they effectively have a sunburn. It is cosmetic only, the trees are quite healthy, and this issue will fade away in the next growing season. If you are ordering these trees for an event or giveaway, you may want to ask us about an alternative fir species such as Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir or Noble Fir. If you are simply planting these trees, they will be just fine.
Abies balsamea serves well as a privacy screen or windbreak due to its gorgeous dense foliage and fairly average growth rate of about one foot per year. The popularity of Balsam Fir for planting as Christmas trees cannot be overstated, and as a result this species often sells out year after year in all sizes. They and the nearly identical Canaan Fir are cut for Christmas, but almost entirely from large plantations. It is prized for its lush green needles, natural conical shape, and needle retention after cutting, and is the most fragrant of all Christmas tree species.
Cousin to the venerable Fraser Fir
Balsam Fir are so similar to Fraser Fir plug seedlings that scientists believe that not too long ago [as in millions of years ago] they were one and the same. Balsam Fir are excellent for use as a landscape ornamental due to their conical shape, beautiful color and fragrance, and dense foliage. Wildlife rely extensively on this true Fir species for shelter and also for food [mostly the seed]. Although deer will eat Balsam, they do not prefer it over other food sources. Martens, hares and songbirds often take refuge in thick Balsam Fir stands, making this species ideal for attracting small wildlife.
Abies balsamea are very shade tolerant and do well in cool climates and with constant moderate soil moisture, growing best in cooler locations which never really dry out. This species is one of the most cold-hardy trees known, surviving at temperatures as low as -49 degrees F.
Plant In Record Time:
You can plant evergreen plug seedlings faster and with less effort than any traditional "bare root" evergreen seedling or transplant, upwards of 50 to 100 per hour without breaking your back, using a cordless drill and this garden auger. Click the thumbnail to watch on YouTube. This steel garden auger is FREE with purchase of 200 or more plug seedlings, or just $17.00 [our cost] with any tree purchase, or $37.00 with no tree purchase, shipped anywhere in the USA.Individual Packaging Options:
Plug seedlings are grouped in bundles or bags for shipping, but we offer individual plastic packaging, eco-friendly packaging, and cotton gift bag packaging for all sizes of plug seedlings, sold separately in matching quantities. These individual packaging services are available for plug seedlings only.
Balsam Fir: characteristics and options
• prefers hardiness zones 3-7
• prefers full sun to partial shade
• mature height and spread: up to 90ft high, 20-25ft spread
• prefers darker, richer soils; loamy soils; damp soils
• Wikipedia detailed info on Abies balsamea
• Balsam Fir Sizes and Availability:
--- Balsam Fir seedlings [sold out till Spring 2025]
--- Balsam Fir transplants [sold out till Spring 2025]
--- Balsam Fir plug seedlings [sold out till Spring 2025]
• Comparable alternative species: Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir and Noble Fir. Confused about species? Check out our Evergreen Tree Buyers Guide
CURRENTLY SOLD OUT in this species in this size, see size and availability options above. Please consider joining our very unobtrusive email list to be notified when we begin selling and shipping this species in this size. You may also request a custom invoice to pay for and reserve these specific trees in your name for a future Spring or Fall shipping season.
Prices below include all shipping and handling and a one year guarantee*:
5-pack for $38.00 (5 evergreen plug seedlings)
10-pack for $54.00 (10 evergreen plug seedlings)
25-pack for $95.00 (25 evergreen plug seedlings)
50-pack for $159.00 (50 evergreen plug seedlings)
100-pack for $229.00 (100 evergreen plug seedlings)