Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)
| Needle retention | Outstanding: the benchmark for needle retention and shipping |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Pleasant, moderate scent |
| Needles | Soft needles, 1/2–1 in, dark green with silvery underside |
| Ornaments | Strong upturned branches hold large, heavy ornaments |
| Color | Lustrous dark green with silvery-white bands underneath |
| Grown in | Native only above 4,500 ft in the Southern Appalachians (western NC, SW Virginia, east Tennessee); over 96% of North Carolina production |
| USDA zones | 4-7a (for planting a living tree; find your zone by ZIP) |
Worth knowing
- The most popular Christmas tree species in the US.
- Takes 7–10 years to grow to 6–7 ft.
Care notes
Whatever the species: make a fresh half-inch cut off the trunk before it goes in the stand, use a stand that holds a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter, top it up daily, and keep the tree away from heat. Details in the care guide.
Sources: NC State Extension: Selection and Care of Christmas Trees · National Christmas Tree Association: Tree Varieties · PA Christmas Tree Growers Association: Selection Guide · NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox