Fraser Fir

(Abies fraseri)

Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Abies fraseri, commonly known as Fraser Fir, is an evergreen tree native to the higher elevations and cool, moist, acidic soils of the southern Appalachian Mountains in the United States. It is typically found in spruce-fir forests, which are characterized by a mix of Fraser Fir and Red Spruce, and these forests often occur as relict ecosystems on isolated mountain peaks. The tree usually grows between 10 and 15 m (30 and 50 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of 40–50 cm (16–20 in). The Fraser Fir has a naturally conical shape with straight branches that are either horizontal or angled upward at 40° from the trunk. The bark is thin and smooth on young trees but becomes fissured and scaly with age. The needles are arranged spirally on the twigs but are twisted at their bases to lie in two rows, emitting a strong fragrance reminiscent of turpentine when crushed. The cones are unique among firs for being erect and cylindrical, starting dark purple and turning pale brown upon maturity.

The Fraser Fir is valued for its dense, pyramidal form, strong limbs, and long-retained, soft needles that are a dark blue-green color. Its pleasant scent and excellent needle retention make it a preferred choice as a Christmas tree. In cultivation, it is used for holiday decor and in cool, moist regions as an ornamental tree. It requires full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained, acidic soil. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as the balsam woolly adelgid, which can cause significant damage.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 30-55 feet
  • Width: 10-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Higher elevations and cool, moist, acidic soils of the southern Appalachian Mountains in spruce-fir forests

Other Names

Common Names: Fraser Balsam Fir , Fraser’s Fir , She-Balsam , Southern Balsam Fir , Southern Fir , Frasers Balsam-Tanne , Frasers Tanne , Sapin De Fraser , Cseroki Jegenyefenyo , Abete Di Fraser , Virginiagran

Scientific Names: Abies fraseri , Abies fraseri f. prostrata , Abies humilis , Abies balsamea subsp. fraseri , Abies balsamea var. fraseri , Abies fraseri f. fraseri , Abies fraseri var. prostrata , Picea balsamea var. fraseri , Picea fraseri , Picea hudsonia , Pinus balsamea var. fraseri

GBIF Accepted Name: Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.