It's still hard to find here and commands a premium price. Frasers are choice because they have a pleasant fragrance and a uniform shape. Because Frasers are so popular, some big home discount chains are selling cheap, lesser-grade Frasers. Cylindrical, purplish, 2-4 inches long. Dark green, flat needles about 1 inch long.
Balsams have a pleasing fragrance.
Their strong branches are good for heavier ornaments. They are similar to Fraser firs in some ways, although the two trees grow naturally in different regions. Gray to reddish-brown. Cylindrical, purplish brown, 3-6 inches long. Upright, sweeping branches.