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The difference between fir and spruce can be found by examining the crown in detail: the structure and size of the needles, the color of the branches, and the growth of the cones are different. The distribution area of trees is different, so the requirements for the place of growth are also different. Visually, the trees are very similar to each other.
What is the difference between spruce and fir
Evergreen coniferous crops belong to the Pine family, this is where their similarities end; representatives belong to different genus. Frost-resistant spruce (Picea) is common in the Northern Hemisphere. In the wild it forms dense forests. In Central Europe it is part of mixed forest belts. Spruce grows up to 40 m tall and is long-lived. Forms a pyramidal crown, straight trunk, light brown with a gray tint, scaly, rough bark.
Fir (Abies) is less frost-resistant, demanding on the place of growth; the tree requires high humidity and a certain soil composition. In Russia it is less common than spruce. It differs in the speed of vegetation. Up to 10 years of age, growth is minimal. It grows up to 60 m, its life expectancy is much longer, this is another characteristic by which representatives of conifers differ. Found in the Primorsky Territory, the Caucasus, the Far East, and the southern part of Siberia.The photo shows that the Christmas tree and fir have visual differences from each other. The fir has a regular pyramidal crown, a straight, smooth, dark gray trunk. It does not have resin channels; the resin accumulates on the surface of the branches and trunk in small bubble pockets.
Christmas trees are used as a building material for furniture, houses, and musical instruments. The white color allows the wood to be used for making pulp and paper. The resin is used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fir is a more fragile wood; it is used only for paper production. The structure of the trunk is not resinous, and is short-lived as a building material. This property has found application in the manufacture of food containers. It is not widely used in medicine.
How to distinguish a Christmas tree from a fir
With a detailed comparison of spruce and fir, it is not difficult to distinguish the plants. Trees have different crown structures, needle colors and shapes. Coniferous trees differ in the location of their cones and the separation of their seeds.
How to distinguish spruce and fir branches:
Spruce | Fir |
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The needles of fir and spruce also differ from each other. Characteristics of Abies:
- needles of rich green color with 2 parallel light stripes along the edge;
- needles are flat and long (up to 4.5 cm);
- grow horizontally in 2 rows, in a spiral;
- the end of the shoot looks cut off;
- the tip is missing;
- the needles do not prick, they are soft to the touch;
- thin at the base, widening towards the top;
- the terminal part of the needle is slightly forked.
After the needles fall off, there are no protrusions on the branch. At the site of growth of a fallen needle, a hill remains with a clearly identifiable nest (place of growth); trees are also distinguished by this feature.
External characteristics of Picea:
- the needles are green, differing from fir in a lighter, monochromatic color;
- arranged in a spiral;
- directed, unlike fir, in different directions;
- tetrahedral, volumetric shape;
- the needles are short, sharp at the end, and hard.
Due to the versatility of the sharp needles, the tree pricks - this feature helps to distinguish representatives of the species.
The cones look different; spruce cones have a cone-shaped elongated brown shape. Cones grow at the end of perennial branches downwards. After ripening, the seeds fall off and the cones remain on the tree. The seeds are equipped with wings, which scatter when they hit the ground.
Fir cones are more rounded and light in color. They grow upward at the top of the tree, and after ripening, together with the seeds, they fall apart into scales. Only the stem remains on the branch. The seeds do not scatter when struck, the wings are tightly attached.
Summary table of differences between fir and spruce:
Sign | Abies | Picea |
Crown | Dense, regular pyramidal shape. | With gaps, on one side the branches are shorter. |
Cones | Oval, grow upwards, fall off along with the seeds in the fall. | Slightly elongated, dark brown, grows downward, and remains on the tree after ripening. |
Bark | Smooth, light gray with resin pockets. | Brown, uneven, scaly, branches where needles grow are lumpy. |
Branches | Flat, with densely arranged needles growing horizontally. | Voluminous, sparse needles, growing in different directions.
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Needles | Long, dark green along the edge with stripes, flat without a point at the end, soft. | Short, plain, tetrahedral, pointed at the end, hard. |
The trees are distinguished by their resinous smell; spruce has an unstable smell.
Which is better: fir or spruce for the New Year?
When choosing a Christmas tree or fir for the New Year, pay attention to the appearance of the tree. New Year's tree is a collective term used to decorate a spruce, pine or fir tree. Nurseries offer a variety of conifers with full characteristics. If you purchase a holiday attribute at a city fair, you need to know how conifers differ and what will last longer in a heated room.
What costs longer – a Christmas tree or a fir?
At low temperatures there is no difference between a spruce and a fir; the trees retain their needles for a long time. In a heated room, place the tree in a container with wet sand, place it away from heating devices, and constantly moisten the sand. This method helps to increase the shelf life of trees. If the conditions are met, Picea will stand for no more than 6 days and shed its needles.
Abies compares favorably with this quality; it can last for more than 1 month, maintaining its aesthetic appearance. The needles do not fall off, they just dry out.It is more difficult to purchase a tree; it is rarely put up for sale, and the price offer is much higher. Conifers differ from each other in the duration of crown preservation.
What smells stronger - spruce or fir?
Fir differs in smell from spruce, because it does not have resin channels, the enzyme accumulates on the surface of the branches. If a tree is brought into a room from the cold, the persistent smell of coniferous forest immediately spreads. It lasts a long time, more than 4 days. Spruce spreads a less intense smell and does not last more than a day. Representatives of the Pine family are also distinguished by this feature.
The difference between spruce and fir in planting and care
Externally similar conifers are radically different when planted. Open areas are chosen for fir; partial shade is allowed. The soil is neutral, well drained. Spruce is less demanding of space, which makes it stand out. Shade and moist soil are suitable for it; it grows in any soil composition. The species differ in frost resistance; spruce easily tolerates low temperatures; young seedlings do not require shelter for the winter.
They differ in their survival rate in a new place; when planting, a Christmas tree seedling is purchased with its root closed; if it dries out at the slightest level, it will not take root. Humidity is not important for fir planting material. The plant always takes root well. Care of the species differs. The fir crown does not require formation; it grows evenly, maintaining strict shapes. Spruce branches require equalization of length and removal of dry fragments. The types differ in their watering requirements. The fir root system tolerates drought well, spruce requires constant soil moisture.There are differences in the application of fertilizing, fir requires fertilizers up to 3 years of growth, the fir tree does not need additional nutrition.
Conclusion
The difference between fir and spruce lies in the structure of the crown, the shape and size of the spines, the intensity of the smell and the method of formation of cones. Both representatives of the species are suitable for growing on a personal plot; the agricultural technology differs. For the New Year's holiday, a tree is chosen as desired, taking into account the fact that conifers differ in the shelf life of the crown.
