Authors: James E. Johnson, Extension Forester, Virginia Tech
Publication Number 420-082, June 1996
*This publication is a revision of VCE Publication 420-082, Recommended Species for Christmas Tree Planting in Virginia (1983), by former Extension Forester Thomas J. Nichols.
Table 2. Selected characteristics of species used for Christmas tree production.*
| Species | Fragrance | Color | Twig Stiffness | Shipping Qualities | Freedom from Pests | Needle Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White pine | Very good | Very good | Good | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Scotch pine | Good | Excellent to very poor | Excellent | Good | Very Poor | Excellent |
| Virginia pine | Good | Very good to very poor | Excellent | Good | Poor | Fair to very poor |
| Austrian pine | Good | Very good | Excellent | Very poor | Fair | Excellent |
| Fraser fir | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Very good | Very good |
| White fir | Very good | Very good | Good | Excellent | Very good | Very good |
| Douglas fir | Very good | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Very good | Very good |
| Norway spruce | Good | Good | Good | Very good | Fair | Poor |
| Blue spruce | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Fair | Good |
| White spruce | Poor | Very good | Very good | Very good | Good | Fair |
*Partially adapted from Recommended Species for Christmas Tree Planting, Ext. Bull. E-1155, Michigan State Cooperative Extension Service.