Noble fir Christmas tree: what to expect

Iowa State rates noble fir excellent for needle holding, and Illinois Extension says it keeps well. The most specific number comes from Washington State University: about eight weeks for a noble fir kept in water. That's longer than most people keep a tree up, so a noble fir bought early still has room to spare.

Eight weeks assumes a full stand every day. For the routine and the signs a tree is done, see our Christmas tree care guide.

Illinois Extension describes short, stiff branches that suit heavier ornaments. A Cornell Cooperative Extension guide calls them sturdy, with good spacing, and NC State's Plant Toolbox notes the branches sweep upward. Those open layers leave room for big ornaments to hang free. On needle feel, Cornell is our only source: it says the needles aren't too sharp, which puts them in the middle, firmer than a Fraser or Douglas fir and far gentler than a spruce.

Iowa State rates the scent very good, and NC State's Plant Toolbox lists noble fir as fragrant. Most extension guides talk about its needles and branches instead, which is why we rate it moderate. If scent is your top wish, a Douglas fir or Fraser fir has the stronger reputation.

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. Most noble firs travel from the Pacific Northwest, so a fresh cut at home matters. The full routine, from the fresh cut to fire safety, is in our Christmas tree care guide.

• Needles that stay on: noble fir rates excellent (Iowa State) and can last about eight weeks (Washington State University). Douglas fir rates good in Michigan State's guide and at Penn State.
• Branches: noble fir's are short and stiff. UW-Madison and Iowa State say Douglas fir's are less stiff and can bend under heavy ornaments.
• Scent: Douglas fir wins. Illinois ranks its crushed needles among the best aromas.
• Needles: Douglas fir's are soft; noble fir's are a little firmer.
• True fir: noble fir is one (Abies); Douglas fir isn't.

Oregon State University says these two are the most popular species on Oregon and Washington farms. More on the other side: Douglas fir.

• Needles that stay on: both rate excellent in most sources. Fraser fir also has Penn State and Illinois rating it good.
• Branches: noble fir's are stiff in every source we found. Fraser's are stiff in most, with Penn State calling them moderately stiff.
• Scent: Fraser's is stronger. Clemson calls it exceptional and long-lasting.
• Needles: Fraser's are soft; noble fir's are a little firmer.
• Where they grow: noble fir in western Oregon and Washington, Fraser fir in the North Carolina mountains.

More: Fraser fir, or compare all 16 trees.

It grows wild in the Cascade and Coast ranges, from Washington and Oregon into northwest California, per the USDA Forest Service and NC State. Its older botanical name is Abies nobilis, and it's also called red fir. NC State says procera means tall, and wild trees can reach about 230 feet (70 m).

Oregon State University Extension names noble fir and Douglas fir as the widely planted Christmas trees of western Oregon and Washington, and Oregon State says production centers on Clackamas and Marion counties in the Willamette Valley. From there it travels far: Utah State says most trees on Utah lots come from Oregon and Washington, and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture said in 2012 that the state's Christmas trees arrive by ship from the Pacific Northwest.

NC State's Plant Toolbox lists zones 5a to 6b, says it does best in its Pacific Northwest range and notes it tolerates wind. The USDA Forest Service describes its home as a maritime climate with cool summers and wet winters, which is hard to copy elsewhere.

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