Noble firs show attractive, smooth, silvery-gray bark with one inch gray-green or bright blue-gray leaves. Bark on Fraser fir trees has a grayish-brown appearance that becomes scaly as the tree matures. These can be up to 3” (7.6 cm) long and 0.8” (2 cm) wide. The smooth, gray bark of young trees becomes rough and orange-red on older trees. • Loam – a mixture of all three. It will survive best positioned in a relatively cool space away from heat ducts. The soft fir needles stay on the shoots for a long time after the tree is cut. Firs are most closely related to the genus Cedrus (cedar). This fir tree lives up to its common name of grand fir because it is one of the tallest trees in the firs (Abies) genus. Although several other coniferous trees are commonly called firs—e.g., the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga), the hemlock fir (see hemlock), and the joint fir (see Ephedra), true firs are native to North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Some of the most commonly planted firs include: White Fir (Abies concolor) – this fir tree has soft, gray-green to silvery blue-green foliage. The low-maintenance tree prefers full sun and can grow in a variety of soil types as long as they drain well. The cylindrical cones are 3 1/2 to 12 inches long. The Spanish fir is closely related to the Moroccan fir which has slightly longer cones on it. Dwarf evergreen shrub varieties of fir form a carpet and work well in rock gardens, while upright types make a sensational focal point. There are a number of issues surrounding the inclusion of a species in such a list. It is an evergreen tree that is usually 10 to 15 meters tall. larches), most have needle or scale like leaves that are evergreen, and all bear cones. Vanessa Richins Myers is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space. Fir trees make useful specimen plantings and have erect cones. These coniferous trees prefer cooler climates where they get full sun. So, whatever your landscaping needs are, there are many varieties of evergreen trees to choose from. It has a conical crown. Other pines have different leaf and cone arrangements. The most popular fir trees used for Christmas include the noble fir, fraser fir and balsam fir. The soil should be fertile and well-drained. This fir tree is often grown in western landscapes where it is known, regionally, as the Rocky Mountain white fir, California white fir, and Colorado white fir. South central. Need a tree that thrives in colder climates? The balsam fir tree has grayish bark. The seed cones are 3 1/2 to about 7 inches long, greenish when young and dark brown when mature. Types and Facts about Fir Trees - Fir trees are evergreen coniferous trees that fall under the Abies genus of the Pinaceae family. The way the fir needles are arranged on the shoots gives the “leaf” an overall flat appearance. Spruce-pine-fir, or SPF, is that the generic name for a variety of timbers originating from North America. Loosen compacted soils by digging in compost or other organic amendments before planting the tree. The silver fir is slender tree that grows to between 130 and 160 ft. (40 – 50 m) tall. Although they look similar to pine trees or spruce trees, the needle like leaves and the types of cones help to tell them apart. Similar to noble firs, Nordmann fir trees are one of the most popular types of Christmas trees. The cones are blue-green when immature with brown bracts peeping out between the scales. Its flattened needle leaves help to identify this Abies species along with green cones that grow to between 2.3” and 4.7” (6 – 12 cm) long. The balsam fir tree is a species of evergreen coniferous tree that has dense dark green needles. This fir tree displays a full pyramid shape with blue or dark green leaves that have one of the richest scents of all the Christmas trees. Fir trees also produce some of the most colorful types of conifer cones. This tree does not handle drought well but has good frost tolerance. Northeast. Southwest. In botany, an evergreen tree type or plant is a plant that has leaves in all seasons. The most common Abies species used for traditional Christmas trees are the balsam fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, and Nordmann fir. There are many other types of evergreen trees have different exciting characteristics that we’ll talk about in this article. People often use fir, spruce and even pine interchangable in casual conversation. However, the typical height of these firs is between 180 and 200 ft. (55 – 61 m). Apart from the botanical names and descriptions of these evergreens, pictures will provide identification for each type of fir tree. This tree is also known as the Nordmann fir, named after Alexander von Nordmann, a Finnish zoologist. Often wood from grand firs is used in the construction industry for frames and other wooden indoor structures. We’re familiar with trees like Alaskan cedar and western red cedar, but they are cedars in name only. This tree also has a reddish brown exfoliating bark. Fir trees make useful specimen plantings and have erect cones. Like most coniferous trees, firs have needle-like leaves that stay green all year long. Holly can be evergreen or deciduous and range greatly in size and shape. The bark of noble fir trees is reddish-brown when mature. These give off a mild turpentine-like fragrance when crushed. There are many types of fir trees and although they’re all similar, each type grows in a specific location and has a unique color and shape. Pine trees are also an important source of wood because they grow fast and … The eight species marketed beneath this name are spruce, spruce pine, jack pine, balsam fir, lodgepoleṣ pine, Engelmann spruce, and red spruce. In coniferous forests, noble fir tree grows where they get full sun and partial shade. Unlike the clusters of pine needles on a branch, fir tree needles attach individually to the branches and not in clusters or attached to small woody projections. The Balsam Fir tree is one of the most popular species used for Christmas trees. Mature cones have soft brown scales. Douglas fir is a hard type of softwood tree that is used for flooring, construction, veneer, and for general timber. The Korean fir is one of the smaller fir species. Also named the Caucasian fir tree, the Nordmann fir is native to Europe, Russia, and the Caucasus mountains. Fraser fir is related closely to balsam fir. 13. of 40. Unlike many types of fir trees, the cones also appear on young trees which enhance their attractiveness. Cones on noble firs are long and cylindrical and can grow to between 4” and 9” (10 – 22 cm) long. Fir Tree Types, List of Different Kinds of Fir Tree Species Balsam Fir Tree, resin is used in cold medications; Douglas Fir Tree; Fraser Fir Tree; Grand Fir Tree; Himalayan Fir Tree; Korean Fir Tree; Noble Fir Tree; Nordmann Fir Tree; Red Fir Tree; Silver Fir Tree, used to make garlands and wreaths; Spanish Fir Tree; Subalpine Fir Tree; White Fir Tree Fir tree cones usually grow upwards and the needles are softer than pine or spruce. Popularly grown types of fir tree are noble firs, Fraser firs, balsam firs, Douglas firs, and giant firs. The Balsam Fir Tree. Here are 12 popular types of fir trees for your landscape. The scientific name of the California red fir gives a clue as to its size and stature. It has a beautiful, conical shape along with dense, dark-green leaves. You usually have the choice of a naturally shaped tree, with a slightly unsymmetrical shape, or a tree sheered into the perfect holiday tree. The White fir has soft needles that are light bluish-green above, and measure up to 2.3 (6 cm) long. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is usually the most reasonably priced and abundant cut tree. Other descriptive names of this fir include giant fir, western white fir, and great silver fir. Oversaturated soil may lead to root rot. Fir trees(Genus: Abies) are a unique genus of evergreen trees. The grand fir is one of the fastest-growing fir tree species, as well as one of the tallest. Evergreen trees are the perfect type of tree to landscape a garden or backyard. Planting is best done when the potted tree is dormant in the late autumn, winter, or early spring. The needles are short (about 1/2 inch long) and pale green-blue in color. There are four types of true cedar trees that belong to the Cedrus genus, though there are also several ‘false’ cedar trees, which are commonly referred to as cedar trees but do not belong to the cedar genus. Pine cones are usually oval or triangular-shaped. West Himalayan firs have needle-like leaves which are the longest of any fir species. Among the many choices of evergreen trees, the most commonly planted varieties are cypress, pine, fir, cedar, spruce, hemlock, juniper, thuja, eucalyptus, and magnolia. These are large evergreen trees in the family Pinaceae that grow up to 330 ft. (100 m) tall. Historically, this was the first species to be used as Christmas trees in Europe. These needles help to tell this fir apart from the noble fir, which is closely related. Growing on the fir trees, these cones can resemble candles on a Christmas tree. A popular choice as a Christmas tree, the balsam fir also yields aromatic oils and resins and is used for making paper. As its common name suggests, the California red fir tree develops reddish bark. USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7. Common pines in Ohio include Austrian pine, eastern white pine, loblolly pine, mugo (Swiss mountain) pi… Do You Know the Difference Between Evergreens and Conifers? Both types of trees can grow to reach 60 feet, unlike the White Spruce which is ideal for growing in pots or along the perimeter of your home. Also, the balsam fir tree has the classic pyramid spherical shape of Christmas trees. We’re familiar with trees like Alaskan cedar and western red cedar, but they are cedars in name only. Fruit: Large woody cones (3-6" long); cylindrical in shape; purple in color. These trees are very fragrant when first cut. They are closely related to other coniferous trees in the family Pinaceae such as pines and cedars. Bark on young trees is smooth and gray, becoming rough and scaly as the tree ages. The needles are soft and are dark glossy green in color. It has a very strong quintessentially Christmassy fragrance and has robust branches which are perfect for decorating. Massed on the upper surface of the twig. The cones are cylindrical in shape, 6” (15 cm) long, and have a reddish-brown color. The needles are around 1.18” (3 cm) and have notched tips. In cold winters it will display a beautiful goldish bronze color. Types of Fir Wood . Additional, more detailed characteristics are used to separate the different species of these three groups of coniferous evergreens. They can grow up to 5.5” (14 cm) long and measure 1.6” (4 cm) wide. These characteristics are detailed in many field guides for field identification of trees. They can grow to between 80 and 195 ft. (24 – 60 m). Another reason why these evergreens are popular at Christmas time is due to their glossy green foliage. The California red fir has reddish bark and long cones that grow upwards. The silver fir tree is native to Europe and is a tall species of conifer with sparse foliage. This species grows between 35-50 feet (10.5-15 m.). It has soft, flattened pale blue-green needles up to 2 1/2 inches long. The Noble fir has inch-long silvery blue-green needles which point upwards, exposing the lower branches. Identifying features are the 2 rows of green needles on each twig and small fat light-brown colored cones. Fir tree wood is a type of softwood that has no resistance to decay or disease. The cones are five to 10 inches long and are purple-brown when ripe. This fir tree species has female cones that look like raspberries. As with many species of fir tree, the bark on subalpine firs is smooth on young trees and gradually becomes scaly as the tree ages. Cones are dark purple to brown and grow to between 1.5” and 3.14” (4 – 8 cm) long. Why We Love It: Unique foliage and cones. The needles are dark green with blunted ends. As with most fir trees, the long cones grow erect on the stems. Leaves of this evergreen are flat, soft and tend to grow in bunches. Fir tree cones are softer than other cones of coniferous trees, and they come apart at the end of the season to spread their seeds. Most species of Fir trees in America are found in the northern region. As the cones mature, they change in color from dark purple to brown before disintegrating. (Walter Siegmund/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.5) The … Other coniferous trees such as Douglas fir, joint fir, and hemlock fir are also called firs, but they are not true firs because they belong to different genera like Pseudotsuga, Ephedra, and Tsuga. This is a magnificent tree which is among the taller species of fir trees. Also known as red fir or white fir, the noble fir is a popular choice for Christmas trees. West Himalayan Fir trees are native to India and Pakistan. Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) (click on each photo to enlarge image) Needles: Green on top and white underneath; about 1" long. Many trees in the Abies genus come in dwarf varieties, making them especially suited as potted living Christmas trees that can continue to be grown in pots or moved into the landscape after the holiday. The plants are native to North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. As the fir tree matures, the bark changes from smooth and soft to rough and fissured. Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) This type of fir is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States. List of Different Types of Fir Trees. Some types of Christmas trees are long skinny trees that are perfect for small rooms. They have slightly blunted tips that curl at the ends. Each branch has twigs with short green to dark-green needles that grow in 2 rows. The easiest way to identify fir trees is by looking at their needles and cones. The evergreen conifers have a distinct conical shape, even when mature. The important coniferous fir trees of North America include the true firs and Douglas fir. Top needles point forward like ski jumpers; side needles are nearly perpendicular to the twig. This fragrant species also grows in an attractive pyramid shape. • Silt – smooth and slippery when wet, small soil particles. Being evergreen is an advantage to trees in some climates; it doesnt make much sense for a tropical rainforest tree to shed its leaves in fall because there isnt a cold winter coming, for example. Douglas firs grow from medium-sized to extremely large anywhere up to 330 feet tall. Nordmann fir tree is one of the common types of Christmas trees. The white fir has bluish green foliage with whitish appearance on the underside. Due to their coated leaf structure and coniferous top, evergreen trees are never susceptible to arid weather, thus standing tall and long-living. There are about 50 different wild species of Fir Trees, but only a few are regularly grown in gardens. Fir trees are a genus of the evergreen coniferous trees and are also a popular choice for the holiday season. Some species of evergreen trees are large elegant trees and some are small bushy shrubs. We’ll explore what each type has to offer so you can choose the best real Christmas tree for your home! Fall apart when mature. Some of the tallest specimens of Nordmann trees can grow up to 280 ft. (85 m) tall. There are five species, two in western North America, one in Mexico, and two in eastern Asia. Nordmann fir trees are also used for rough timber to construct indoor wooden frames. Pick from a variety of fast growing evergreen trees to add character to your yard, offer foliage year-round, or drastically enhance your landscape. These huge fir trees grow to between 130 and 200 ft. (40 – 60 m) tall and their trunk is 6.6 ft. (2 m) in diameter. Long cones grow erect on the tree and they can be between 2.1” and 4.3” (6 – 12 cm) long. For this article, we will discuss the species as a whole. Depending on where this “fir” tree is found in the world, it is also called the Oregon pine, Douglas spruce, red fir, or red pine. They have soft blue-green needles that have blunted tips. Pines are resinous trees that are related to other types of conifers such as fir trees, cedars, and spruces. The cones are the fruit of the conifers and fir cones tend to grow straight upward from the branches. Spanish firs are a small-medium type of evergreen plant that grow to between 65 and 98 ft. (20 – 30 m) tall. Balsam firs grow to between 46 and 66 ft. (14 – 20 m) tall with some of the tallest trees reaching 90 ft. (27 m). Choose a species with good cold hardiness in your region. One of the smaller species of fir tree is the Korean fir that has a short shrub-like appearance. The distinctive triangular shape of the young varieties, its fresh mild aroma, and long-lasting needles have made this a popular tree at Christmas time. It is also known as the Rocky Mountain fir. It is also found in the following types: Mountain Hemlock, Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, Western Redcedar and Pacific Douglas-Fir. As you may be able to tell by its scientific name, the Douglas fir is not a true fir tree. Types of Evergreen Trees That Will Leave You Wonder-struck. Maine Native Fir Trees, Abies and Pseudotsuga There are two varieties of Abies balsamea, one being typical of the species, var. Cultivars and Varieties: European Silver Fir-Abies alba, Pacific Silver Fir-Abies amabilis, Balsam Fir-Abies balsamea, Greek Fir-Abies cephalonica, White Fir-Abies concolor, Fraser Fir-Abies fraseri, Grand Fir-Abies grandis, Korean Fir-Abies koreana, Alpine Fir-Abies lasiocarpa, Spanish Fir … This is an evergreen tree, meaning that it retains its color throughout the entire year. Abies, Fir trees are a genus comprised of 66 taxa (species, subspecies and varieties) of evergreen conifer trees. Also known regionally as California red fir, Shasta fir, or silvertip, the red fir gets its principal common name because the bark turns dark red as it matures. 11 Best Types of Christmas Trees for People Who Want the Real-Tree Smell in Their House These tree varieties offer a nice aroma, an easy clean-up or strong branches to hold lots of ornaments. In the pine family, true fir trees (genus Abies) include 11 species native to North America. Trees woods and wildlife. This pyramidal evergreen is the national tree of Japan and is somewhat sacred. The needles grow up to 3.5” (9 cm) long and are soft and glossy. This is in contrast to spruce trees, which have paired needles with a hinge-like base, and pine needles, which are bunched in clusters. If you look at pictures of mature silver firs, you can often see the distinctive pyramid shape at the very top of the tree. American beech. It rarely grows to a height of 25 meters. Fir, Douglas. Parts of this fir can be used to create an essential oil and incense. The smooth bark is dark gray, gradually turning rough and scaly as the tree ages. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. 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