Blue fir or blue spruce? This is a frequently asked question that, for once, is very easy to answer. Below you will find out why you basically only have to choose by name, but not botanically, between the blue fir and the blue spruce.
Blue fir or blue spruce – what’s the difference?
Blue fir and blue spruce only differ in name, because both names meanone and the same conifer: Picea pungens. In order to remain botanically correct, we should only talk about the blue spruce, because the popular Christmas tree belongs to the spruce genus.
Blue fir or blue spruce – which name is better?
The tree in question here is often called the blue fir; However, it makes more sense to speak solely of theBlue Spruce in order to avoid any misunderstandings. Botanically speaking, Picea pungens is clearly a spruce tree.
How do the needles of fir and spruce trees differ?
Although both firs and spruces are conifers, the two species differ greatly from each other, if only in terms of the properties of their needles:
- The needles of fir trees have two white stripes and feel rather dull.
- The needles of spruce trees are sharp, so they can sting you badly if you touch them.
Since the blue fir is actually a blue spruce, the tree has the needles typical of spruces.
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This is what sets the blue spruce apart
After the magnificent Nordmann fir, the blue spruce is the most popular Christmas tree in Germany. It is characterized by its elegant, blue shimmering needles. It also exudes a wonderful resinous forest smell that contributes to a Christmas ambience. Since the blue spruce is very robust, it can withstand heavy tree balls and usually only begins to needle after two to three weeks of heating air.
