Concolor Fir Christmas Tree Guide

Is the Concolor Fir a Good Christmas Tree?

If you’re trying to choose the best Christmas tree, check out our Best Christmas Tree guide. One standout option for families who love a bit of something different is the Concolor Fir Christmas Tree — also known as the White Fir.

Why do people go for it? Imagine a tree that blends the silvery elegance of a blue spruce with the soft needles of a balsam. Add in a delightful citrus fragrance — almost like crushed oranges — and you’ve got the Concolor Fir. Families rave about its unique look and scent, especially when they want something that sets their home apart from the traditional fir choices.

Pros:

• Long, soft needles with striking silvery-blue color
• Distinctive citrus fragrance (lemon/orange-like)
• Good needle retention indoors
• Strong branches for ornaments

Cons:

• Slower to grow in some regions (6–9 years to reach market size)
• Less available in the Southeast due to climate limits
• More prone to pests like budworm and tussock moth outdoors

Description & Common Characteristics of the Concolor Fir

The Concolor Fir (Abies concolor), native to the mountain ranges of the American West, is instantly recognizable for its silvery-blue to blue-green needles. Unlike prickly spruces, its needles are soft and flexible, making it easy for children to decorate without sore fingers. Crush a needle, and you’ll catch its famous citrus-like aroma — one of the most talked-about qualities of this tree.

Concolor Firs tend to have a classic pyramidal or conical shape when young, with full, dense foliage that makes them a decorator’s dream. Over time, older trees grow taller and more open, but farm-raised Christmas trees are sheared and shaped for that picture-perfect look.

Historically, this species has been admired not only as a Christmas tree but also as a long-lived forest tree — capable of reaching heights over 100 feet in the wild. Its western mountain heritage makes it hardier to drought and heat than many other firs. Compared to a Serbian Spruce, which has a narrower, elegant form and a subtler pine-like fragrance, the Concolor feels bolder and more aromatic in a living room.

Needle Retention & Fragrance

“How long will it last?” For most families, the Concolor Fir holds needles well, especially if cut fresh. Its soft foliage resists dropping, making cleanup easy. As for scent — it’s unlike most evergreens. The citrus-like fragrance is refreshing, almost uplifting, and lingers throughout the season.

Where Do Concolor Fir Christmas Trees Grow?

Concolor Firs are native to the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada, the southern Rocky Mountains, and ranges in California, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico. They thrive in cool mountain climates but have been successfully cultivated in northern U.S. states and parts of Canada where conditions mimic their native range.

Christmas tree farms in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and the Pacific Northwest often grow Concolor Firs for their striking color and durability. They are less common in the humid Southeast, where Lodgepole Pines or other more heat-tolerant species tend to be favored.

How Much Does a Concolor Fir Christmas Tree Cost?

Prices for Concolor Firs vary depending on region, availability, and whether you buy from a pre-cut lot or a cut-your-own farm. On average:

• Small (4–5 ft): $45–$70
• Medium (6–7 ft): $75–$120
• Large (8–10 ft): $120–$200+

Because Concolor Firs grow more slowly and are less common than Fraser or Douglas Firs, you may find them priced toward the higher end. Farms in the West and Midwest may offer better deals than urban lots where transport adds to the cost.

How to Care for a Concolor Fir Christmas Tree

Want to make the most of your Concolor Fir? Follow this checklist:

1. Make a fresh cut — Saw off ½ inch from the trunk base before placing it in the stand.
2. Keep it hydrated — Concolor Firs drink a lot of water; check daily to ensure the stand never runs dry.
3. Choose the right spot — Place away from heating vents, fireplaces, and direct sunlight.
4. Mind the branches — They’re strong enough for ornaments but avoid overloading heavy décor near the top.
5. Vacuum gently — If a few needles fall, they’re soft and easy to clean.

With good care, a Concolor Fir can last 4–6 weeks indoors with minimal shedding, rivaling Fraser Firs in freshness.

Where to Find a Concolor Fir Christmas Tree Near You

Ready to bring one home? Find farms growing Concolor Fir in our Christmas tree farms directory. Whether you’re after a pre-cut tree for convenience or the adventure of a cut-your-own outing, our directory helps you track down fresh, local trees.