Balsam Fir vs Fraser Fir - TreeTime.ca

Balsam Fir vs Fraser Fir

Abies fraseri

Abies balsamea

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Fraser Fir
Balsam Fir

Fraser Fir is a great choice for a Christmas tree, or as an addition to your landscape. It retains its needles when cut, has good branch strength, and grows into the classic conical Christmas tree shape. When the cones are young they emerge purple, which adds an additional splash of colour to the tree.

Fraser Fir may suffer in warmer climates, we do not recommend this tree in hardiness zones 7 or higher. It is very similar to Balsam Fir, and can freely be used as a substitute.

Balsam Fir - best known as a "Christmas tree" - doesn't just look great in living rooms; it's a terrific tree for your yard too!

This fir grows tall and narrow. Balsam Fir is cold hardy, shade tolerant, and will thrive in most soil types and moisture levels.

Fraser Fir Quick Facts

Balsam Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: frasers balsam fir, frasier fir, she balsam, southern balsam fir
Other Names: balm of gilead, blister fir, canada balsam, eastern fir, fir-balsam