Canaan Fir Plug Seedlings

[a.k.a. West Virginia Balsam Fir]
[Abies balsamea var phanerolepis]

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Canaan Fir plug seedlings are very similar to Balsam Fir plug seedlings and Fraser Fir plug seedlings in appearance, grow zones and other characteristics, making the Canaan a very desirable ornamental tree and Christmas tree. It stands out from the often troublesome Fraser in that the Canaan Fir can handle wetter soils and is less affected by root disease. This species is naturally somewhat Phytophthora resistant, whereas Fraser is not.

SOLD OUT till Spring, sales resume mid Jan 2025

Canaan Fir plug seedlings for sale, approx 6-12″ [photos are no longer accurate]

Canaan Fir [and Balsam Fir and Noble Fir] are an acceptable substitute for Fraser Fir in problematic environments such as poorly draining areas prone to phytophthora root rot. This species likes richer, darker soils with ample water.

Canaan are naturally found in isolated populations at higher elevations. This may be why this species is slower to break bud than Fraser Fir plug seedlings or Balsam Fir plug seedlings, making it less prone to damage from a late frost. If you’ve been watching the weather since 2010, this alone is a valuable characteristic to have, since gorgeous trees damaged by frost freezes become ugly ducklings for a couple of years.

This species will reach heights of up to 50ft with a nice pyramidal shape under normal circumstances, and provides excellent privacy and wind protection due to its dense growth. It is named after the Canaan Valley in West Virginia where it was discovered. It is an excellent alternative to Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir in most situations.

Plant In Record Time:
plant evergreen trees fasterYou 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.


Canaan Fir: characteristics and info

• prefers hardiness zones 3-7
• does ok in full sun but prefers partial shade
• mature height and spread: up to 50 ft high, 15-20 ft spread
• prefers dark rich soils, swampy soils, wet loamy soils, low areas and around ponds and streams
Penn State Ag Extension info on Abies balsamea var phanerolepis
Canaan Fir Sizes and Availability:
--- Canaan Fir transplants [sold out till Spring 2025]
--- Canaan Fir plug seedlings [sold out till Spring 2025]
• Comparable alternative species: Balsam 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)