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Trees
Colorado blue spruce
Prized for its needles, which range from silvery blue to green, this
tree is sturdy enough to hold heavy ornaments. Like eye color in humans,
the color of a blue spruce's needles is a genetic trait determined by
the seed from which it grows, not its soil environment.
Eastern red cedar
Conical in shape, this is a favorite in the South. Its lacy compact
branches are shiny, dark green, and very fragrant, though they tend to
dry out quickly. A member of the juniper family, it's the only Christmas
tree that produces berries—a choice snack for wildlife.
Fraser fir
A perfect green pyramid and intensely fragrant. Its strong,
upward-facing branches are just right for draping tinsel. (Balsam fir is
very similar.) Though plentiful on tree farms, Fraser firs are becoming
endangered in nature, thanks to sap-sucking insects called wooly
adelgids.
Scotch pine
This European native holds its long dark-green needles for several
weeks. Sturdy branches and an open shape let you load on the ornaments.
The Scotch pine's peeling orange bark is a delicacy for porcupines.
Eastern white pine
A gorgeous tree with long, lush needles and slender branches best suited
for lighter decorations. It is well tolerated by allergy sufferers.
White pines are particularly sensitive to air pollution, which can stunt
the tree's growth or even kill it.
Grown without pesticides, organic trees are becoming increasingly
available at local tree farms. Few growers ship trees nationally, but
your county cooperative extension office can help find a grower in your
area (check your phonebook). |
