Black Hills Spruce vs Fraser Fir - TreeTime.ca

Black Hills Spruce vs Fraser Fir

Picea glauca var. densata

Abies fraseri

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Hills Spruce
Fraser Fir

Black Hills Spruce is a subspecies of White Spruce native to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It has a strongly conical form, slower growth rate and denser foliage than typical white spruce, making it preferable as a specimen tree for smaller suburban lawns. It also responds well to pruning, and can be used as a hedge or even bonsai.

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.

Black Hills Spruce Quick Facts

Fraser Fir Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 4a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, 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

In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: frasers balsam fir, frasier fir, she balsam, southern balsam fir