ExploreTree

Fraser Fir

Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.

The Fraser Fir is a tall tree with soft, flat needles that have a lovely fragrance. It is popular for Christmas trees!

Habitat: Mountain forests

Appearance

The Fraser Fir is a pyramidal evergreen with distinctive silvery-green needles. Its soft, flat needles often have two silver bands on their undersides. It produces unique upright, dark purple cones that break apart on the branch.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusAbies

Fraser Fir

Interesting facts

Instead of falling down, its purple cones break apart while still on the branches!

Its soft, fragrant needles make it super popular as a Christmas tree!

The sticky sap from this tree was once used to help heal wounds!

These special trees only grow high up on mountains in a few US states!

Special abilities

Fraser Fir has sticky resin blisters that protect it from hungry insects and mend small injuries!

Fraser Fir produces cones that stand tall like candles, helping its seeds fly further when they release!

Fraser Fir can grow in cold, windy mountain tops thanks to its sturdy, flexible branches.

Measurements & details

Height: 9-24 m
Canopy Spread: 4-8 m
Is Edible: No
Trunk Diameter: 40-75 cm
Lifespan: 80-150 years
Fruit Type: Cone
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Evergreen

Ecological connections

parasitizes

Balsam Woolly Adelgid

Adelges piceae

A tiny insect that severely harms the tree

shelters

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

Nests in the tree and eats its seeds

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer browse on its needles and twigs

shelters

Black Bear

Ursus americanus

May use its dense branches for cover

Traits

Coniferous

Imagine trees with needles instead of flat leaves and special cones that hold their seeds. These evergreens bring green to the forest all year long!

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Mountain

Discover the amazing plants and animals that call towering mountains and high altitudes their home, adapting to cooler air and rocky slopes.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!

Endangered

These are amazing plants and animals that are very rare and face a high risk of disappearing forever. We need to help protect them so future generations can enjoy them too!