Since it is really touch and go with the Douglas Fir and this new disease they seem to be picking out of the ground, we have decided to try another fir this year called Canaan Fir, aka Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis (fern.). It is relatively new to the Christmas tree market. It looks very similiar to Fraser and balsam in growth and appearance. If anyone is interested in knowing more about this tree you can find very good information on www.hiddenspringstreefarm.com. that was prepared by Dr. Craig R. McKinley, North Carolina University.
We have no idea if these trees will be happy here because its growing range has not yet been identified. The Canaan is considered a special ecotype of bracted balsam; this ecotype hadinb unique characteristics as a result of the environment to which it has been exposed. It is not yet considered a separate species. We can only hope the few hundred we planted will grow. Many of the growers in this area are slowly moving from Douglas to Canaan due to the disease I mentioned before.
I do not have a picture of my own at this time and I hesitate to use the one I have from the grower without his permission.
These are the only firs we grow at this time. Next we will talk about the Spruce.
