Description
Fraser fir seedlings are used for both Christmas tree farms and landscape trees. They are very similar to the Balsam fir and are considered the southern version. Besides Fraser fir they are also known as Southern Balsam fir and She-Balsam. We have had great success with them here on our farm. They are native to the mountains, so they do well in cooler climates. When the Fraser is young the branches are dense and thin out as the tree ages. They naturally grow in a nice pyramidal shape.
There is something magical about a Fraser Fir Christmas tree. With a bubble gum scent and soft, beautiful needles it is always a favorite on our farm. The branches are strong and hold ornaments well. Frasers are a rich green color with a silvery underside on their needles. They are a little heftier than the related Balsam fir and do hold their needles longer. They also have amazing needle retention. One year dad left his Fraser fir Christmas tree up in the farm house until well after Easter. He was running a very scientific experiment on it’s ability to hold needles. It still had most of it’s needles when he finally took it down in the spring!
These trees are native to the Appalachian mountains in North Carolina and they are named after the botanist, John Fraser, who spent time exploring the area in the 1700’s. In 2005 the Fraser Fir was designated as the official North Carolina State Christmas tree. This happened because of the work of some industrious 8th grade students who realized how much of an economic impact the Fraser fir has on their state.
At this time the Fraser fir has been chosen twelve times as the official Christmas tree for the White House. This is more times than any other variety! It also graces the rooms of the Biltmore Estate each year at Christmas. Here is a fun article about decorating for Christmas at the Biltmore: http://www.biltmore.com/blog/article/the-making-of-christmas-at-biltmore
Every year we sell out of our Fraser fir trees before any other evergreen. If you would like to reserve some for our next shipping season you can do so online or call the office.
