What’s in Bloom
Fraser |
Balsam |
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| Botanical Name | Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir. | Abies balsamea (L.) Miller |
| Color | dark blue-green | dark-green |
| Needle | Flattened, dark-green needles with a medial groove on the upper side and two broad silvery-white bands on the lower surface. | Long-lasting needles are 3/4 - 1 ½ in. in length Longer & fatter needle |
| Fragrance | Not as strong as Balsam | Great Scent Long Lasting |
| Interesting Facts | Fraser fir was named for John Fraser (1750-1811), a Scot botanist who explored the southern Appalachian Mountains in the late 18th century. Fraser fir boughs have often been used for "pine pillows" and bed stuffing. |
Named for the balsam or resin found in blisters on bark. Resin is used to make microscope slides and was sold like chewing gum; used to treat wounds in Civil War. Nine to ten years in the field are required to produce a 6-7 foot tree.Branches turn slightly upward |