Taylor County Land Conservation
Cook's Balsam Fir
Cook's Balsam Fir
All prices include applicable sales taxes.
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Each bundle contains 25 transplants.
Scientific Name: Abies balsamea 'Cook's Blue'
Mature Height: 40-60 feet
Mature Spread: up to 20 feet
Hardiness: Zones 3-5
Soil: Well-drained acidic, moist, well-drained soil
Light: Full to partial shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Additional Information: Flat, one inch long, singular needles distinguish this fir from spruces (square needles) and pines (needles in groups). A traditional Christmas tree, pyramidal-shaped, with excellent fragrance and good needle retention. Cold hardy, but not drought tolerant. Also excellent for windbreaks and as a shelter and food source for wildlife. Bees use the resin to make "bee glue" for the construction and repair of hives. Needles contain vitamin C (prevent scurvy!) and are edible as is or used as a tea. Deer do not prefer this tree but may browse during hard years.
Cook's variant: Needles show varying degrees of blue coloring after 3 year and has sturdier branches.
Estimated Seedling Size: 2-3 transplants, 12-18”
Photo credit: Wheeler's Laura's Lane Nursery
Pick-up in late April/early May
Pick-up in late April/early May
Seedling orders must be picked up in person in late April or early May in Medford or Phillips, Wisconsin. Taylor County LCD does not ship trees, shrubs or planting products to individual customers.
The exact pick-up dates will be sent out in early April by email and/or USPS mail. The tree pick-up schedule has typically been on a Thursday, 3-6 p.m. and Friday, 8-11 a.m., for Medford orders and Friday from 8:30-11 a.m. for Phillips orders. If you are unable to pick up your order during those days/times, you may send another person to the pick-up or contact the Taylor County LCD at 715-748-1469 to make other arrangements.
