
The Fraser's strong branches are turned slightly upward
which gives the tree a compact appearance.
|
Fraser Fir: The combination of
form, needle retention, dark blue-green color, pleasant scent
and excellent shipping characteristics has led to Fraser fir
being the most popular Christmas tree species. North Carolina
produces the majority of Fraser fir Christmas trees. It requires
from 7 to 10 years in the field to produce a 6-7 feet tree.
Trivia: Fraser fir was named for
John Fraser (1750-1811), a Scot botanist who explored the
southern Appalachian Mountains in the late 18th century. The
species is sometimes called Southern balsam or Southern balsam
fir. Locally Fraser fir is known as "She balsam" because of the
resin filled blisters on the tree's trunk. Red spruce, often
associated with Fraser fir, is called "He balsam" and lacks the
distinctive blisters.
|