# 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!

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Mountain forests
- **Also known as:** Southern Balsam Fir

![Fraser Fir](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426780/objects/4843.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Pinopsida
- **Order:** Pinales
- **Family:** Pinaceae
- **Genus:** Abies

## 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

- **Resin Power:** Fraser Fir has sticky resin blisters that protect it from hungry insects and mend small injuries!
- **Upright Cones:** Fraser Fir produces cones that stand tall like candles, helping its seeds fly further when they release!
- **Mountain Dweller:** Fraser Fir can grow in cold, windy mountain tops thanks to its sturdy, flexible branches.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 9-24 m
- **Spread:** 4-8 m
- **Edible:** No
- **Size:** 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
- **Shelter:** [Red-breasted Nuthatch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-breasted-nuthatch) (*Sitta canadensis*) — Nests in the tree and eats its seeds
- **Eaten by:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Deer browse on its needles and twigs
- **Shelter:** [Black Bear](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-bear) (*Ursus americanus*) — May use its dense branches for cover

## Traits

- [Coniferous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coniferous): Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones.
- [Evergreen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/evergreen): Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
- [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
- [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Fraser Fir?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Fraser Fir?

9-24 m

### How wide does Fraser Fir spread?

4-8 m

### Is Fraser Fir edible?

No

### How big is Fraser Fir?

40-75 cm

### How long does Fraser Fir live?

80-150 years

### Where is Fraser Fir usually found?

Mountain forests

### What kind of fruit does Fraser Fir produce?

Cone

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

---

Source: [Fraser Fir: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fraser-fir)