Fraser fir Christmas tree: what to expect

Michigan State University's species guide rates Fraser fir excellent for needle holding in water. NC State Extension, Clemson and Iowa State say excellent too, and UW-Madison puts it among the best. Penn State and Illinois Extension rate it good. Every source puts it at good or better.

It also forgives a little neglect. Michigan State gives it a good rating even when it dries out, the best of the firs in its guide. NC State adds that it ships long distances well.

For how many weeks a well-watered cut tree lasts in general, and how to tell when it's done, see our Christmas tree care guide.

Clemson goes furthest, calling the fragrance exceptional and saying it lasts. Penn State describes it as spicy and resinous, Iowa State calls it very good, and NC State and Illinois call it pleasing or pleasant. If you want the strongest scent of all, balsam fir is the usual rival (see the comparison below).

NC State says the branches are strong enough for heavy ornaments, UW-Madison says they're stiff enough for heavier ones, and Clemson calls the limbs sturdy. Penn State is the cautious voice: moderately stiff, so the very heaviest pieces may be a stretch. A Cornell Cooperative Extension guide adds that the open spacing between branches makes it easy to decorate.

Penn State notes that Fraser and Canaan fir can take up even more water than other species at first, so a stand that looked full at breakfast can be low by dinner. Use plain water: Penn State's holiday pets guide says plain fresh water with no additives, and UF/IFAS Extension says additives aren't needed. The full routine, from the fresh cut to fire safety, is in our Christmas tree care guide.

They're close cousins, and both are true firs. Here's how the sources split them:

• Needles that stay on: In water, Michigan State rates Fraser excellent and balsam good to excellent. Once they dry, Fraser still rates good and balsam drops to fair, so Fraser forgives a missed watering better.
• Scent: both smell like Christmas. Michigan State says balsam is picked for its strong scent, and UW-Madison calls it the most aromatic of the firs it lists.
• Branches: Fraser's are stiffer. Cornell says balsam's branches are flexible and may not hold heavier ornaments.
• Shape: Cornell calls balsam narrower than average, good for small rooms.
• Where it grows: balsam is native to the northeastern US and most of Canada; Fraser comes from the high peaks of the southern Appalachians.

More on the other side: balsam fir.

• Noble fir: Iowa State rates its needle holding excellent, and Illinois says its short, stiff branches suit heavier ornaments. Fewer sources say much about its scent. It's grown mostly in western Oregon and Washington, so in the East it travels farther. See noble fir.
• Douglas fir: Penn State and Iowa State rate its needle holding good to very good, a step below Fraser in most sources. UW-Madison and Iowa State say its branches are less stiff and can bend under heavy ornaments. Its scent is a highlight, and it isn't a true fir at all. See Douglas fir.

Want the whole lineup side by side? Compare all 16 trees.

In the wild it grows only on the high peaks of the southern Appalachians, at about 4,500 to 6,700 feet (1,370 to 2,040 m), in southwest Virginia, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, per the USDA Forest Service and NC State. NC State's Plant Toolbox lists it for zones 4a to 7a in full sun to part shade and acid soil below pH 6.0. Michigan State says it needs acid soil and good drainage and is very prone to root rot in wet ground. Clemson notes it isn't grown in South Carolina because it needs cool summers.

A cut tree can't be planted. If you want one to plant after Christmas, read our potted vs cut Christmas tree guide first.