A Guide to Christmas tree species

As Christmas tree growers, Stockeld Park have chosen to specialise in growing Nordman Fir which has become the preferred Christmas tree for the home, due to it's excellent needle retention. However, there is a vast variety of other Christmas trees grown throughtout the world.

Norway Spruce Christmas Tree (Picea abies)

The Norway Spruce is the traditional Christmas tree found in our homes in December.
Its characteristics include:

• Pointed mid green needlesstanding on tiny pegs


• Long cylindrical brown cones which hang downwards


• Found in Northern and Central Europe

Nordman Fir Christmas Tree (Abies nordmanniana)

The Nordman Fir Christmas tree is originally from South Russia this tree has become increasingly popular as a Christmas tree due to it's excellent needle retention.

• Green glossy needles


• Large cones which point upwards


• Originally found in the Caucasus mountains in Georgia

Noble Fir Christmas Tree (Ables procera)

The Noble Fir Christmas tree was first introduced into Britain in 1830. Noble Fir Christmas trees are a native of the forests of Washington and Oregon where it grows to a great height.

• Long (25mm) upswept bluish grey needles at right angles to the twig.


• Large upright cone with downturned feathery bracts


• Originally found in Western North America

Fraser Fir Christmas tree (Abies fraseri)

A very popular Christmas tree in Eastern United States.

• Thick spread of needles


• Upward pointing cone


• Originally found in Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia

Blue Spruce Christmas tree (Picea pungens glauca)

The Blue Spruce Christmas tree has a strong blue tinge to its needles which make a very desirable Christmas tree.

• Blue needles


• Downward pointing cone


• These Christmas trees are originally found to the East of the Rocky mountains; Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico

Scots Pine Christmas Tree (Pinus sylvestris)

The Scots Pine Christmas tree is a native of the once extensive Caledonian Pine Forests. It is a native timber producing conifer.

• Twisted blue green needles found in pairs


• Pointed hanging cones with woody scales


• These Christmas trees were originally found in Northern Europe & Asia.

Lodgepole Pine Christmas Tree (pinus contorta var. latifolia)

These Christmas trees are an inland variety of the north American Shore Pine, its straight stem was used by the North American indians for its central supporting pole of their lodge or wigwams.

• Twisted yellowish green needles


• Brown egg shaped cones with small sharp prickles on each scale


• These Christmas trees are originally found in Western North America, Alaska to Washington

Serbian Spruce Christmas Tree (Picea Omorika)

The Serbian Spruce Christmas tree is a long term favourite in Central Europe.