Get to know your Christmas Tree

You’ve found the perfect Christmas tree - nice and full, just the right shade of green. But what kind of tree is it, exactly? Some popular Christmas trees are native to Wisconsin, while others are cultivars, grown specifically for characteristics that make them lovely in our homes. Why not take time this holiday season to get to know the conifer standing in your living room? 

Some of the most popular trees grown on Christmas tree farms are firs. Fir trees have relatively short, flat needles that tend to form two rows on the branch, helping them live up to the description “flat and friendly firs.” Regularly watered, fir trees can keep their needles for a long time after being cut. The balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is native to Wisconsin and is highly aromatic, filling your home with that classic Christmas tree scent. This year’s Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree is a balsam, so if you choose this tree, you are in good company! The equally popular Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is not native to Wisconsin, but grows well on Wisconsin tree farms. Frasers are known for especially soft needles and strong branches.  

Two main pine trees are grown on Wisconsin tree farms, providing options for people who prefer the classic look of a long-needled Christmas tree. Pine needles glow in clusters or bundles, which creates a more feathery, bushy look. The needles stay put throughout the holiday season, though they do not produce the “Christmas tree smell.” Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), common to Wisconsin’s forests, can make a beautiful Christmas tree when sheared and shaped while growing. Though their branches aren’t as strong as the firs or spruces, some people prefer the weeping look that is created when ornaments hang on a white pine. Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), not native but highly successful on Wisconsin tree farms, is nearly indestructible, making it desirable for people who like their tree up a long time. Scotch pine is the most common Christmas tree grown in the United States.  

Whether your tree comes pre-cut from a lot or you go to the farm to cut it yourself, take some time this holiday season to appreciate the diversity of the conifers that contribute so much joy to our winter celebrations. And be sure to thank a Christmas tree farmer! 

Explore Wisconsin's Spruce-Tamarack forests

Spruce-tamarack forests, sometimes called northern wet forests or conifer swamps, are one of Wisconsin’s more unique forest ecosystems. Driving by this type of forest, you might not be impressed at first glance. There are no tall and girthy trees, no showy ferns or inviting shady groves. But take a closer look and you’ll find a fascinating forest community. 

Because of their wet, acidic soils, this forest type contains plants that aren’t found in many other terrestrial ecosystems. Plants typically associated with bogs like sphagnum moss, Labrador tea, cranberry and sedges grow in the understory. Lucky hikers may even find the occasional insectivorous pitcher plant. Animals like bobcats, snowshoe hares, spruce grouse and even boreal chickadees and gray jays make northern wet forests home.

The black spruce and tamarack trees that dominate this ecosystem are unique in themselves. Tamarack, the odd conifer that loses its needles in the fall, creates a stunning golden show before it goes bare. Balsam fir, northern white cedar and jack pine are also sometimes present, though they tend to be stunted due to the soil conditions and dense canopy. The abundance of water and the fact that conifer swamps are located in low areas means these forests often create microclimates, holding cold in the ground long into summer.  

Spruce-tamarack forests are found more commonly in northern parts of the state, though small stands grow in southern counties when conditions are right, such as in landscapes that contain glacial kettles. If you want to bring your students to explore this ecosystem (be sure to wear waterproof boots!), consider making a scavenger hunt of unique things for them to look for, or have them make observations of how this forest type is different from the forests closer to home.

For a LEAF lesson that explores Wisconsin’s forest types virtually, take a look at Discovering Wisconsin’s Forests.

Forestry game from Wisconsin students

Last month, we recognized International Games Month by sharing board games to get students thinking about forests and biological systems. We forgot to mention a favorite video game: Forest Frenzy: The Giving Forest.

Developed by students at the Milwaukee School of Engineering in collaboration with Menominee Tribal Enterprises, the game focuses on sustainable forest management!

"Use the on-screen tools to plant, chop, and clean your forest. Your goal is to get the highest score possible by managing your forest well."

Contact Us! 

Have questions or need additional resources? Contact us at leaf@uwsp.edu. We are here to support educators and students with forestry opportunities.

Published for December 2025