Listed below are some of the most popular tree types grown in Indiana with a short description of the characteristics of each tree type. For a full description and picture of the tree types listed below as well as other tree varieties visit the National Christmas Tree Association website.
Fraser Fir
Fraser fir are dark blue-green in color, have a pleasant scent, good form and excellent needle retention. The Fraser fir branches are firm and turn slightly upward with a soft short needle. There are some areas of Indiana that the Fraser fir cannot be grown.
Concolor Fir
Concolor fir has a narrow needle with good color and excellent needle retention. It has a pleasing shape and citrus aroma.
Scotch Pine
Scotch pine has historically been the most popular Christmas tree in the U.S. It is known for its firm branches and excellent needle retention. It is well suited for heavy ornaments.
Colorado Blue Spruce
Colorado Blue Spruce are bluish-gray in color and have an unpleasant odor when the needles are crushed. The branches are very firm with sharp needles about 1" in length. It has good needle retention.
Canaan Fir
The Canaan fir is a newer variety that is becoming a very popular choice as a Christmas tree. Canaan fir has a firm branch with soft short needles. It has characteristics similar to both Balsam and Fraser fir.
Douglas Fir
These soft needles are dark green – blue green in color and are approximately 1 – 1 ½ in. in length. The Douglas fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance.
White Pine
White pine has long, soft, flexible needles and is bluish-green in color. White Pine’s have good/excellent needle retention, but have little aroma. They aren’t recommended for heavy ornaments.