The bark on young trees is smooth, grey, and with resin blisters (which tend to spray when ruptured), becoming rough and fissured or scaly on old trees. Please see my bio on my employer's website for more: http://www.mckinleymuseum.org/speakers_bureau/speaker/2. Locally Fraser fir is known as “She balsam” because of … The Florida market is dominated by North Carolina trees, mostly Fraser firs. Find Your Perfect Tree Because there is space between the branches, the Fraser is easier to decorate than some trees. The Fraser fir and balsam fir are closely related and share many characteristics. The species is sometimes called Southern balsam or Southern balsam fir. Canaan fir . The main difference between the Fraser fir and the balsam fir is the construction of their pinecones. The bracts, specialized leaves associated with the tree's reproduction, are longer than the scales on a Fraser fir pinecone, which makes them curve downward. The trees grow to almost perfect shapes, and as long as the cut tree is kept properly watered, the Frasier fir has excellent needle retention. Canaan fir (Abies balsamea var phanerolepis) is closely related to balsam fir and Fraser fir. Balsam Fir – 3/4″ to 1 and 1/2″ short, flat, long lasting needles that are rounded at the tip; nice, dark green color with silvery cast and fragrant. Picking out a perfect tree isn’t all about looks—the tree’s scent, strength of branches, and needle retention all matter, too. The undersides of the needles on both trees tend to be lighter and are marked with two pale bands. On these mountaintops it apparently became a new species after being separated from Balsam Fir populations during the last Ice Age. Has a slow growth rate of less than 12″ per year. Fraser fir is a uniformly pyramid-shaped tree which reaches a maximum height of about 80 feet and a diameter of 1-1.5 feet. The Fralsam™ Fir is a hybrid cross developed by Weir Tree Farms and has been our top seller since it was rated "Best Overall" by the Wall Street Journal in November 2002. Fir tree identification. Typically a medium-sized tree, it is often referred to as a blister pine, the … By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, University of North Carolina Plant Information Center: Fraser Fir. Common Names: balsam, Canada balsam, eastern fir, balm of Gilead, blister fir. We open for outdoor checkout and curbside pickup. Balsam Fir – 3/4″ to 1 and 1/2″ short, flat, long lasting needles that are rounded at the tip; nice, dark green color with silvery cast and fragrant. Swansea, MA 02777, 1-800-585-3790 The balsam fir is another small evergreen tree that has strong branches, a conical shape, and a wonderful fresh scent. … Natoli, who brought in Balsam and Fraser fir trees ranging from 4 to 12 feet from North Carolina and Pennsylvania, also suggested drilling holes at the bottom of the tree so it can drink the water. It’s the most wonderful time of the year–and our favorite part of the season! Fraser firs reach six to seven feet in seven to ten years, while balsams reach the same height in nine to ten years. The Fralsam™ Fir. Canaan fir does combine many of the characteristics of balsam fir with better needle retention of Fraser fir. Our Hours: These coniferous trees prefer cooler climates where they get full sun. It is sometimes described as a hybrid between balsam fir and Fraser fir, but is actually a specific seed source from balsam fir from the Canaan Valley of West Virginia. In Christmas tree farms, the Fraser fir matures slightly faster than the balsam. Needles arise from a broad circular base, are dark green and have a blunt, flattened shape. I have a BA in history and an MA in history museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program. These three run in a line from north to south. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance. However, their smell is milder, and in most areas, these trees will be more difficult to find than both other options. For the balsam, it’s the aroma. Balsam Fir –  3/4″ to 1 and 1/2″ short, flat, long lasting needles that are rounded at the tip; nice, dark green color with silvery cast and fragrant. When people think of balsam trees versus Fraser fir, the usual dichotomy is the pleasant fragrance of the balsam, and the long-lasting needle retention of the Fraser. Run your fingers along the needles, grab the branches and bounce the tree a little. Fraser Fir's range is far more limited than that of Balsam Fir; it occurs naturally only in the Southern Appalachians of north Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and extreme southern West Virginia. Fraser firs are are dark blue-green in color. Also, the hunt for the perfect tree will go much smoother if you already know the type of tree you want. In Christmas tree farms, the Fraser fir matures slightly faster than the balsam. As you’re searching, do the fresh test! Strong branches are turned slightly upward which gives the tree a compact appearance. The needles have a beautiful green topside, and a silver/white underside. When you bring a … This short-needled tree has a pleasant fragrance but not as intense as the Balsam fir. I am qualified to serve as an expert in a variety of historical topics. The branches are angled upward on both trees. Canaan firs are the best of both worlds. Fraser Fir. There are 40 to 50 species of true firs in the world (Frampton, 1998) and 3 fir species and subspecies on the east coast – balsam fir, Canaan fir (considered by most to be a subspecies of balsam fir), and Fraser fir (considered by most to be a true and separate species from balsam fir). Anywhere else, I’d suggest the BH Blue Spruce. Fraser Fir – The Fraser fir may be the perfect holiday tree. The balsam fir is identified by its flat needles that grow to 1.18” (3 cm) long. Fraser firs typically reach heights of 80 feet, while balsam firs are shorter, at 40 to 60 feet. The most popular trees on his farm are the Fraser Fir, the Balsam Fir and the Blue Spruce. These needles are 3/4 – 1 and 1/2 in. Canaan fir grow in soils too wet to grow Fraser fir or Douglas fir. The two trees may have evolved from the same species. Description. We hope you have fun selecting this year’s perfect tree! Open Daily from 9 am to 5 pm, 2664 Grand Army Hwy The Fraser fir is sometimes known as the southern balsam fir. The narrow conic crown consists of dense, dark-green leaves. In many respects, Fraser fir and balsam fir are quite similar. They are one of the top major Christmas tree species in the U.S. BALSAM FIR: These needles are ¾ to 1½ in. Each of the two species has an advantage. Canaan Fir: (Abies Balsamea) has many similarities to both the Fraser and the balsam fir in growth and appearance, as it offers the wonderful bouquet of a balsam fir combined with the beauty of a Fraser fir. They have the heartiness and branch-strength of a Fraser, but the conical shape and rich green needles of a Balsam. It is from Balsam Hill’s “Most Realistic” Collection. Balsam Fir bark is … The two trees may have evolved from the same species. The tree I purchased for $719.74 was the Balsam Hill BH Fraser Fir. Fraser firs typically reach heights of 80 feet, while balsam firs are shorter, at 40 to 60 feet. My expertise includes the Victorian Age and McKinley's presidency, the Roaring Twenties, the 1950s, the flu, museum studies, material culture, architecture, and more. The Fraser fir and balsam fir are closely related and share many characteristics. I have been a professional historian, museum curator, and author for more than a decade. Strong branches with a silvery underside, along with excellent needle retention, have made this Christmas tree a top-seller in the market. Fraser Fir. This is the traditional Christmas tree that most Americans grew up with. These needles are 3/4 – 1 and 1/2 in. Route 6, Swansea, MA 02777. Everyone has their favorite. The balsam fir tree has grayish bark. The main difference between the Fraser fir and the balsam fir is the construction of their pinecones. Identification of the Balsam Fir: The Balsam Fir features aromatic foliage and a narrow, pointed, spire-like crown. If you grew up in New England or the Philly-NYC corridor, I’d recommend the BH Balsam Fir. Fraser fir is another tree that smells like Christmas.. Both trees make excellent Christmas trees for their needle retention, deep green color, ideal shape and pleasing scent. Fa la la la! Fraser firs grow in the southern Appalachian Mountains and in parts of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The Fraser fir is native to the Appalachian Mountain region. The needles grow in a spiral up to the tip of each branch, giving fir trees a robust, lush appearance. Douglas fir is in the genus Pseudotsuga, a grouping of fir tree cousins. in length and last a very long time. Douglas-fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. The Canaan fir’s needle retention is comparable to a balsam, and definitely not better than a Fraser, Mr. Horst said. (508) 379-0081 If many needles fall off, the tree was cut long ago and has not gotten enough water, so find another! Scotch Pine. Mature Height/Spread: Balsam Fir can grow 45-75 ft. high and have a 20-25 ft. spread in ideal conditions. 3. Within the fleet of Christmas tree types, this is definitely the Rudolph: most popular, most … The Fraser fir is a high-altitude conifer tree related to the northern balsam fir. Fraser fir was named for John Fraser (1750-1811), a Scot botanist who explored the southern Appalachian Mountains in the late 18th century. Like our BH Balsam Fir, the tree’s silhouette is bushy and full, which doesn’t leave much room for ornaments, so a Fir is a perfect choice if you like a less-decorated tree. See our Profile on Fraser … This tree has a dark-green appearance and retains its pleasing fragrance throughout the Christmas season. I have served as the Museums Editor at BellaOnline since 2004. Also known as the Scots pine, this varietal initially gained popularity in Great Britain. It’s time to head out with your family and wander amongst all the beautiful types of trees, looking for just the right one. in length and last a very long time. Yes, “Fraser fir” is another name you might recognize as a scent often captured by wintry candles. Needles on the balsam fir … Balsam Hill Fraser Fir with Candlelight Clear LED, 7.5' For no reason other than it came in the biggest, heaviest box, we saved this Balsam Hill tree to test last. Though very similar to its cousin, the Fraser fir, the balsam fir has more of a dark green hue. More Info.. It is sometimes described as a cross between Fraser fir and balsam fir since many of its attributes are intermediate between those species, but it is actually a specific seed source of balsam fir from the Canaan Valley of West Virginia. So before you head to the tree farm or lot to select yours, lets compare the two most popular Christmas trees. The firm branches hold heavier ornaments. Canaan fir: Similar to the other Eastern firs, the Canaan has short, soft needles that are dark green … The Blue Spruce is a tree that, as Leyden puts it, "has a … For reference, this is a photo from their website of how the tree is supposed to look when assembled. Balsam firs grow to between 46 and 66 ft. (14 – 20 m) tall with some of the tallest trees reaching 90 ft. (27 m). These needles are … Because of their great characteristics, balsam firs have become one of the most popular Christmas trees. The bracts, specialized leaves associated with the tree's reproduction, are longer than the scales on a Fraser fir pinecone, which makes them curve downward. Its attractive 1-inch needles are silvery-green and soft to the touch. Fraser Fir vs. Balsam Fir. The needles are flat, about 3/4 long, and dark green in color. in length and last a very long time. If you grew up on the West Coast, I’d recommend the BH Noble Fir. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The under side of the needle is pale with a few white lines. The Fraser fir tends to be the larger tree, growing 80 feet tall, while the balsam is limited to 40 to 60 feet. If you grew up along the Atlantic Seaboard or in Florida, then the BH Fraser Fir. A few Christmas tree care tips... Look for the freshest tree: It's always best to purchase a freshly cut … 2664 Grand Army Hwy • Rte 6 On a balsam pinecone, the bracts are shorter and hidden beneath the scales. It was the only tree I needed help bringing into the house (total weight is 103 pounds), but after that I was head-over-heels in love with it. Balsam firs are found in Canada and the northern United States. Fraser fir is botanically a true fir, as it's a member of genus Abies. Fraser firs reach six to seven feet in seven to ten years, while balsams reach the same height in nine to ten years. This hybrid incorporates the best characteristics of its parent trees, the Balsam and the Fraser… Balsam fir is a small to medium-size evergreen tree typically 14–20 metres (46–66 ft) tall, occasionally reaching a height of 27 metres (89 ft).