What is the official Christmas tree of NC?
the Fraser Fir
The General Assembly of 2005 adopted the Fraser Fir as the official Christmas Tree for the State of North Carolina (Session Laws, 2005, c. 387).
Where do Fraser firs grow in North Carolina?
Southern Appalachian Mountains
Fraser fir has a somewhat restricted range. It grows naturally only at elevations above 4,500 feet in the Southern Appalachian Mountains from southwest Virginia, through western North Carolina, and into eastern Tennessee. A number of stands occur in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What is the problem with NC Fraser fir?
The threat is from Phytophthora (pronounced “fy-tof-thor-a”) root rot, a disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamoni. The disease, which is fatal to Fraser fir, attacks and kills the roots, leading to the death of the tree.
Is Frasier fir a good Christmas tree?
The Fraser fir is considered by many to be the perfect holiday tree. It boasts attractive one-inch needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch, making it the ideal varietal for families with pets or young children who tend to handle their tree.
Where do Fraser fir Christmas trees grow?
southern Appalachian Mountains
The Fraser fir has a distinct distribution. Its native habitat is restricted to high elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. It is the only fir endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Are there fir trees in North Carolina?
Native only to the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States, Fraser fir trees grow naturally at elevations of at least 5,000 feet in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia. In North Carolina, the Fraser fir is the most common species grown and sold by Christmas tree farms.
Can you grow Fraser firs in South Carolina?
Some farms in the northern reaches of SC also grow fraser firs. Although most of the state’s climate doesn’t support the growth of firs, you will find many local Christmas tree farms will receive regular deliveries of fresh fraser firs. Visit one of the farms below and find your perfect Christmas tree!
What is the difference between Fraser fir and balsam fir?
Balsams grow faster meaning their branch strength is less than a Fraser, however Balsams are often “fuller”, with more, closer growing branches. Unlike the Fraser, Balsams have “soft” needles. This means that the needles lay flat so when you grab a branch with your hand, it’s not sharp.
Why is it called a balsam fir?
The scientific name “balsamea” is an ancient word for the balsam tree, so named because of the many resinous blisters found in the bark. Balsam fir and Fraser fir have many similar characteristics, although geographic ranges of the two species do not overlap.
Why is my Fraser fir turning brown?
The above-ground symptoms of Phytophthora root rot on Fraser fir include yellow-green needles, wilting, slow growth, dead branches, and tree death. The needles remain on dead branches and turn cinnamon brown. Roots of affected trees are also cinnamon-colored to black and lack white growing tips.
Which is better Douglas Fir vs Fraser fir?
Douglas Fir has a pyramidal shape with beautiful green to blue-green needles. It is a dependable tree that will last the entire season. Fraser Fir has a great pine smell to it and is more slender than other firs, so it will fit better in a smaller room. Its branches turn slightly upward giving it a more compact look.
