Fir: the Christmas Tree

Fir (Abies) is a genus of around 50 species of evergreen in the Pine family. All are trees, reaching heights of 10-80 m (30-260 ft) tall and trunk diameters of 0.5-4 m (2-12 ft) when mature. They are most closely related to the Cedars (Cedrus). Firs are found in North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mostly in the mountain regions.

This tree provides food for moose, American red squirrels, crossbills and chickadees, as well as shelter for moose, snowshoe hares, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse and other small mammals and songbirds.

The fir tree is known for its beautiful shape, longevity, and pleasant aroma. Many different fir species produce essential oils. White fir is the sweetest of the fir oils and is used in aromatherapy. Balsamic and Siberian fir have more woody, balsamic odor.

All parts of a fir tree are aromatic. The essential oil used in aromatherapy is extracted from needles by steam distillation and is sometimes called “Fir needle oil.” Perfume makers add it to men’s fragrances very often. The active constituents of fir essential oil are: limonene (over 50%), alpha-pinene and beta-caryophyllene, and also other ingredients: camphene, santene and borneol.

Images: Olga Ikebanova, Felix Schollmeyer, Fantasista
 

Author: Olga Ikebanova