Field Guide

The Canaan Fir (Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis), also known as the West Virginia Balsam Fir or Canaan Balsam Fir, is a species of fir tree native to the Appalachian Mountains in eastern North America.

Size and Shape:

• Canaan Firs are medium-sized evergreen trees, typically reaching heights of 40 to 70 feet when fully-mature.

• They have a slender and conical shape, with branches that extend horizontally and slightly upward.

Needles:

• The needles of Canaan Fir are typically dark green and shiny, measuring around 0.5 to 1 inch long.

• These needles are arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches, giving the tree a lush and dense appearance.

• The needles may emit a pleasant fragrance, similar to that of balsam or citrus.

Cones:

• Canaan Fir produces upright, cylindrical cones that are generally smaller in size, measuring around 2 to 4 inches in length.

• The cones have a purplish-green color when young and gradually turn brown as they mature.

Bark:

• The bark of young Canaan Firs is typically smooth and grayish, developing furrows and becoming rougher as the tree ages.

• The bark may display resin blisters, which are small, oozing pockets of resin on the trunk.

Origin:

• Canaan Firs are predominantly found in the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, primarily in West Virginia and neighboring states.

• They thrive in moist, well-drained soils, often growing alongside other coniferous trees like spruce and hemlock.