Upon ripening in September to November, cones fall apart leaving an erect central core. Red squirrels are the primary consumers of seeds. Bark is usually gray or gray-brown, thin, smooth with numerous resin blisters on young trees. As trees become older, the bark tends to develop into thin, papery scales. Fraser fir is intermediate in shade tolerance and is usually found on fertile, rocky to sandy soils which are acidic.
Natural associates are red spruce, beech and yellow birch.
Rhododendrons also are found in this ecosystem, and add significant beauty during their flowering season. Phytophthora root disease attacks Fraser fir, but is most harmful at lower elevations. Some scientists also point to air pollution as a contributor to the decline of many natural red spruce-Fraser fir stands. The combination of form, needle retention, dark blue-green color, pleasant scent and excellent shipping characteristics has led to Fraser fir being a most popular Christmas tree species. North Carolina produces the majority of Fraser fir Christmas trees.