DESCRIPTION

The Fraser fir is relatively slow-growing, growing 6-12 cm per year.

The Fraser fir is a slender, pyramidal, evergreen conifer. Under the right conditions, it can grow to 10-15 m tall (rarely more) and 3-5 m wide.

The crown is conical with horizontal or slightly upright branches. Young trees have dense branching, which remains sparse in older trees.

It is very similar to the Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea), the main difference being the scales on the cones.

It has flat, flexible, shiny, dark green needles (10-25 mm long and 2-2.2 mm wide) with two silvery white bands on the underside, rounded or slightly split at the ends. The needles are densely arranged in a spiral on the twigs, but twisted at the base to form two rows on each twig. The needles are very aromatic; their strong scent is reminiscent of turpentine.

The bark is thin, smooth and grayish brown. Drops of resin may appear on the bark.

The cones are small, straight, cylindrical, 3.5-7 cm long, rarely 8 cm long and 2.5-3 cm wide, dark purple, turning light brown when mature, often resinous, with long green, yellow or light purple scales.

The tree can be grown as an ornamental in the garden. The Fraser fir is a popular Christmas tree in many countries, known for its hardy needles and pleasant aroma.