Jesse Saylor
Family
Pinaceae
Botanical Name
Abies fraseri
Plant Common Name
Fraser Fir
General Description
Fraser fir is a fragrant evergreen tree native to the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States, from Virginia down to Georgia. Native populations grow at both high and low elevations along the mountainside. They exist in nearly pure stands at high elevations but are mixed with other conifers and hard woods at mid to lower elevations. Young trees are dense and pyramidal, which is why they are favored as Christmas trees. In fact, Frasier is only rivaled in popularity by balsam fir. Mature trees reach great heights and develop open, more horizontal branches.
Short, flattened, deep green needles offer year-round interest and are flexible and soft when grasped. Small male, or pollen, cones appear in spring alongside large female cones, which are purplish when immature, age to brown and quickly shatter when fully dry. Trees small and large have nearly smooth bark dotted only with resinous bumps.
This true fir grows handsomely in full or partial sun and prefers sites with well-drained, slightly acid, moist loam. It is a shallow-rooted species so refrain from planting where high winds are prevalent. In the landscape, Frasier fir makes a fine large specimen tree or can be planted in masses as an effective green screen or windbreak.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 2
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14
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Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
30'-70' / 9.1m - 21.3m (40)
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Width
20'-25' / 6.1m - 7.6m (20)
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Southeastern United States
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
