Firs are distinguished from other pines by needle-like leaves that attach singly to the branches. This is in contrast to spruce trees, which have paired needles with a hinge-like base, and pine needles, which are bunched in clusters. Fir trees are also distinguished by cones that stand upright on the branches like candles. 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. 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. Firs are trees that do best in relatively cool, moist conditions. The soil should be fertile and well-drained. Loosen compacted soils by digging in compost or other organic amendments before planting the tree. Planting is best done when the potted tree is dormant in the late autumn, winter, or early spring. Here are 12 popular types of fir trees for your landscape.
Native area: North AmericaUSDA growing zones: 4 to 7Height: 40 to 90 feetSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Native area: Eastern United StatesUSDA growing zones: 4 to 7Height: 30 to 50 feet tallSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Native area: Northwest U.S.USDA growing zones: 7 to 9Height: 100 to 250 feetSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Native areas: Afghanistan, China, India, and NepalUSDA growing zones: 7 to 9Height: up to 100 feetSun exposure: Part shade to full shade
Native area: South KoreaUSDA growing zones: 4 to 8Height: 15 to 30 feet tall; occasionally 50 feetSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Native areas: Western Oregon, Washington, and northwest CaliforniaUSDA growing zones: 6 to 8Height: Standard height is around 50 feet but some varieties can be over 240 feet tall; some have grown to 300 feet tall.Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
This species can tolerate living in a container (as long as it was started in one), so it can be a good choice for a living Christmas tree.
Native areas: Northern Armenia, Russian Caucasus, Georgia, and TurkeyUSDA growing zones: 5 to 7Height: 40 to 80 feet; occasionally over 200 feetSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Native areas: Southwest California and OregonUSDA growing zones: 4 to 8Height: Up to 200 tallSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Native area: Southern and Central EuropeUSDA growing zones: 5 to 8Height: 50 to 80 feetSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
NLink / Getty Images
Native area: Morocco and southern SpainUSDA growing zones: 6 to 8Height: Typically 25 to 75 feet, possibly up to 100 feetSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Native area: Western North AmericaUSDA growing zones: 4 to 7Height: 30 to 50 feet tall with greater height when growing wildSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Native area: Western North AmericaUSDA growing zones: 4 to 7Height: 50 to 100 feet tallSun exposure: Full sun to part shade
