Abies Fraseri is a small to medium evergreen tree. It is one of the most popular Christmas trees in the world and the commercial growing and harvesting of this species is a multi-million-dollar industry. Well known for its popularity as the Christmas tree of choice for the American White House, the Fraser Fir earns this title fairly. The Abies fraseri could be classed as the perfect Christmas tree as it has a sturdy trunk, branches grow horizontally to slightly upwards, it is relatively fast growing, naturally has a perfect conical shape and its needles are not sharp whilst decorating.
Other common names for the Abies fraseri are Southern Balsam Fir & She Fir.
Growth
The Fraser Fir is a small to medium tree growing up to 15 metres if left in its natural habitat. This species is generally ready for harvest within 7-10 years for Christmas trees, which is quite quick in comparison to some others. The needles are 1-2.5 cm’s long. The lifespan of the Abies fraseri is 150 years. Fraser Fir is also a popular Bonsai choice.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Pinaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold Climate – Cool Temperate at altitude
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-30 to 30°C / -25 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but does not like boggy or clay soils that retain excess moisture.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
10-15 metres (32-50 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3-7 metres (10-25 feet)
pH:
3.8-5.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated – Monoecious (Both male & female cones are found on the same plant)
MATURITY:
15-20 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-84%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification for 4 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 2-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
67
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Fir needles can be used to make tea.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT ABIES FRASERI (Fraser Fir)
The Fraser Fir is native to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.
Growing and harvesting Fraser Firs for Christmas trees is a multi-million-dollar business in North Carolina, USA, this species is also commercially grown in Scotland.
The species Abies fraseri is named after the Scottish botanist John Fraser (1750–1811).
