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Abies fraseri (Fraser Fir)

Fraser Fir, Frasier Fir, Fraser's Balsam Fir, Southern Balsam Fir

Abies fraseri, Fraser Fir, Frasier Fir, Fraser's Balsam Fir, Southern Balsam Fir, Evergreen Conifer, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree
Abies fraseri, Fraser Fir, Frasier Fir, Fraser's Balsam Fir, Southern Balsam Fir, Evergreen Conifer, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree

Abies fraseri (Fraser Fir) is a medium-sized evergreen conifer of narrow, pyramidal habit with a spire-like crown and resinous stems densely clad with flattened, short, turpentine-scented needles, shiny dark green above with two silver bands beneath. The seed cones, up to 3 in. long (7 cm), are dark purple when young turning light brown with conspicuously protruding bracts. Held upright along the branches, they create a lovely contrast against the deep green foliage. A moderate grower, 6-12 in. per year (15-30 cm), its gray-brown bark is thin and smooth, with numerous resin blisters on young trees, becoming fissured and scaly with age. Fraser Fir is one of the most popular Christmas trees sold in commerce today. Its mild fragrance, shape, strong limbs, and ability to retain its soft needles for a long time when cut make it one of the best trees for this purpose. An excellent accent choice for the home landscape.

  • Grows up to 30-50 ft. high (9-15 m) and 10-25 ft. wide (3-8 m).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Best in full sun. Performs best in cooler climates and does not tolerate heat and humidity.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids and adelgids and honey fungus.
  • No pruning required.
  • Propagate by seed or grafting
  • Native to the southeastern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Pinaceae
Genus Abies
Common names Fir, Fraser Fir
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 30' - 50'
(9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread 10' - 25'
(3m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Southeast, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Abies nordmanniana (Nordmann Fir)
Abies procera (Noble Fir)
Abies concolor (White Fir)
Abies lasiocarpa (Subalpine Fir)
Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir)
Abies grandis (Grand Fir)

Recommended Companion Plants

Acer palmatum ‘Trompenburg’ (Japanese Maple)
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’ (Sawara Cypress)
Abies procera ‘Glauca’ (Blue Noble Fir)
Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’ (Flaky Juniper)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

37 Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy and Year-Round Interest
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Abies (Fir) – What Is Wrong With My Tree?
Abies (Fir)
Abies (Fir) – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Pinaceae
Genus Abies
Common names Fir, Fraser Fir
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 30' - 50'
(9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread 10' - 25'
(3m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Southeast, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Abies (Fir)
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