Noble Fir (Abies procera)
| Needle retention | Excellent: Oregon State calls it the species least likely to shed needles |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Pleasant |
| Needles | Four-sided needles over 1 in, twisted upward |
| Ornaments | Stiff branches: a good tree for heavy ornaments |
| Color | Bluish-green with a silvery cast |
| Grown in | Native to the Siskiyou Mountains of northern California and the Cascade and Coast ranges of Oregon and Washington; 25–30% of the Pacific Northwest fresh market |
| USDA zones | 5-6 (for planting a living tree; find your zone by ZIP) |
Worth knowing
- Top choice for wreaths and garland.
- During WWII its light, strong wood was used in RAF Mosquito airframes.
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: National Christmas Tree Association: Tree Varieties · Oregon State University: Christmas tree choices · NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox