Species guide
Wild Christmas tree species and where you can cut them
Wild Christmas trees aren't farm trees, and the ones you meet depend on where you are. Here's how to tell them apart in winter, which make the best Christmas trees, and which ones you have to leave standing. Rules change from forest to forest: Douglas-fir is the main tree on the Siuslaw and off limits on the San Juan. Your permit has the last word.
From Siuslaw National Forest on Recreation.gov and San Juan National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Which tree is this? A key for kids
Walk up to a tree, take off a glove and work down the steps. Built on Oregon State's tree key, the Forest Service and Utah State, in plain words.
From Oregon State University, "Dichotomous Key to Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest" (OSU key, PDF hosted by NPS), Oregon State University, true fir genus and Utah State University Extension, singleleaf pinyon pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
Look at the leaves. Tiny scales hugging the twig like a braid? Jump to step 6. Needles? Go to step 2.
From Oregon State University, "Dichotomous Key to Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest" (OSU key, PDF hosted by NPS), read Nov 11, 2026.
Are the needles stuck together in little bundles, with a papery wrap at the bottom? Yes means a pine, so count the needles in one bundle. One: singleleaf pinyon, the only pine with single needles. Two, short and twisted, with prickly cones: lodgepole pine. Two, short and stiff, with fat round cones and no prickles (pine nuts!): pinyon pine. Three, really long, 5 to 10 inches: ponderosa or Jeffrey pine. Five: stop. "Needles of five, keep it alive!" It could be whitebark pine, which is protected. If the needles grow one at a time, go to step 3.
From Oregon State University, "Dichotomous Key to Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest" (OSU key, PDF hosted by NPS), Oregon State University, pine genus, Utah State University Extension, singleleaf pinyon pine, Oregon State University, pine species, Utah State University Extension, lodgepole pine, Utah State University Extension, pinyon pine and Fremont-Winema NF "Whitebark Pine Identification Guide" (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
Roll one needle between your thumb and finger, then gently grab a branch. It rolls like a tiny square pencil and the branch jabs you? It's a spruce: "If it rolls easily, it is a spruce." Super sharp, often blue, near a stream: blue spruce. Less sharp, high in the mountains, skunky to some noses: Engelmann spruce. At the coast, with flat two-colored needles: Sitka spruce. Flat, won't roll, feels soft? Go to step 4.
From Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on Recreation.gov, Oregon State University, spruce genus, Utah State University Extension, blue spruce, Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, blue spruce, Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived) and Utah State University Extension, engelmann spruce, read Nov 11, 2026.
Gently pull one needle off and look at the twig. A flat round scar, like a tiny suction cup? It's a true fir: go to step 5. A tiny bump, and the very top of the tree flops over? Hemlock. No bump, no suction cup, and a pointy bud at the twig tip like a little cigar? Douglas-fir. Bonus: look on the ground for hanging cones with three-pointed bracts like a snake's tongue. Needles green underneath with no white stripes, maybe red berries? Pacific yew. Don't cut it.
From Oregon State University, "Dichotomous Key to Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest" (OSU key, PDF hosted by NPS), Oregon State University, true fir genus, Oregon State University, hemlock genus, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on Recreation.gov, Oregon State University, douglas-fir species, Utah State University Extension, douglas fir, Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived), Oregon State University, pacific yew and Siuslaw National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Which fir? Long needles, 2 to 3 inches, silvery blue on both sides: white fir. About an inch long, crowded on top of the twig like a neat brush, on a skinny spire of a tree up high: subalpine fir. Flat and spread to both sides of the twig, shiny, in two different lengths: grand fir. Curved like a hockey stick and whitish: noble fir (a groove on top) or red fir (a ridge on top). Top needles pointing forward like ski jumpers: Pacific silver fir. Short, flat and fragrant in the Upper Midwest or East: balsam fir. Fir cones stand up on the top branches, but by winter they've usually fallen apart, so go by the needles.
From Utah State University Extension, white fir, Oregon State University, true fir species, Utah State University Extension, subalpine fir, University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species, Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, balsam fir and Oregon State University, true fir genus, read Nov 11, 2026.
Scales instead of needles. Little berries, blue or reddish: juniper. Flat sprays, and cones shaped like a duck's bill: incense-cedar. Some forests ban cedars, so check your permit.
From Oregon State University, "Dichotomous Key to Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest" (OSU key, PDF hosted by NPS), Utah State University Extension, rocky mountain juniper, Utah State University Extension, utah juniper, Oregon State University, incense-cedar and Idaho Panhandle National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
The firs
Subalpine fir
Abies lasiocarpa, with corkbark fir
- In winter
Single, flat, blunt needles about 1 to 1.5 inches long, massed on top of the twig and soft to the touch. Pull one and it leaves a tiny round scar, the true fir's sign. Thin, smooth gray bark with resin blisters; corkbark fir's is creamy white and corky. The tell, in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache's words: "If the needles jab you it is probably a spruce."
From Oregon State University, true fir species, Utah State University Extension, subalpine fir, "Tree Species Identification & Description," Nov. 8, 2010 (Colorado FS permit attachment, PDF), Oregon State University, true fir genus, Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, subalpine fir and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
High, cool, moist ground across the interior West and Alaska, often beside Engelmann spruce: about 8,000 to 11,500 feet in Wyoming, Utah and Colorado, 8,000 to 12,000 in New Mexico and Arizona, and 2,000 to 11,000 in the Montana and Idaho Rockies.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, subalpine fir, Utah State University Extension, subalpine fir and "Tree Species Identification & Description," Nov. 8, 2010 (Colorado FS permit attachment, PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
Soft and fragrant, even after cutting, with stout branches the National Forest Foundation says won't bend under big ornaments. A Northwest extension guide says it keeps its needles well if it goes into water right after the cut; Oregon State's Christmas tree specialist said it doesn't hold them as well as noble fir. Its narrow spire suits a small room.
From PNW 645, "Growing Corkbark Fir and Subalpine Fir for Nursery Production" (Jensen, Barney, Bauer; U of Idaho, OSU, WSU), National Forest Foundation, "The Firs: the Best Christmas Trees", OSU News, "Oregonians have many choices for Christmas trees," Dec. 2, 2011 and Utah State University Extension, subalpine fir, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Engelmann spruce, which grows right beside it: the spruce jabs, the fir doesn't. Young Douglas-fir bark looks a lot like it too.
From Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on Recreation.gov and "Tree Species Identification & Description," Nov. 8, 2010 (Colorado FS permit attachment, PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
On the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache's Heber-Kamas district it's the only tree you may cut, 20 feet or shorter. Allowed or recommended on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison, San Juan, Cibola and Dixie, and at BLM's Vernal office.
From Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on Recreation.gov, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest on Recreation.gov, San Juan National Forest on Recreation.gov, Cibola National Forest on Recreation.gov, Dixie National Forest on Recreation.gov and BLM Vernal FO stipulations (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
White fir
Abies concolor
- In winter
Single, flat needles 2 to 3 inches long, silver-blue to silver-green with a white bloom on both sides, blunt and often curving upward. The tell: the longest needles of any western fir, silvery on both sides and soft, not sharp.
From Utah State University Extension, white fir, Oregon State University, true fir species and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming, from about 2,000 feet in Oregon up to 10,200 in Colorado and New Mexico, often under ponderosa pine and aspen.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, white fir and San Juan NF Christmas trees, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
A nice shape, a citrus scent and good needle retention. A Virginia Tech table rates its smell and its needle-holding very good.
From University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species and Virginia Cooperative Extension pub 420-082, Table 2 "Selected characteristics of species used for Christmas tree production" (adapted from Michigan State E-1155), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Blue spruce, but white fir's needles are soft and flat where the spruce's are stiff, square and sharp. Grand fir has no white bloom on top of the needle.
From Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on Recreation.gov, Utah State University Extension, white fir and Oregon State University, true fir species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The tree foresters most want thinned. The San Juan says "Cut these trees: White Fir, Subalpine Fir, Spruce." Also allowed on the Fremont-Winema, Humboldt-Toiyabe, Inyo and Klamath, parts of the Cibola and Dixie, and BLM's Ely and Cedar City offices.
From San Juan National Forest on Recreation.gov, Fremont-Winema National Forest on Recreation.gov, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on Recreation.gov, Inyo National Forest on Recreation.gov, Klamath National Forest on Recreation.gov, Cibola National Forest on Recreation.gov, Dixie National Forest on Recreation.gov, BLM Ely District Christmas tree permit sheet (PDF, 2024 season) and BLM Utah Christmas Tree Permits, read Nov 11, 2026.
Grand fir
Abies grandis
- In winter
Needles about an inch long, yellow-green on top with whitish bands underneath, laid out flat. The tell: long and short needles take turns along the twig. Round, resin-covered buds, and crushed needles smell like citrus.
From Oregon State University, true fir species and University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, from sea level to about 6,000 feet.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, grand fir and Oregon State University, true fir species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
Oregon State's specialist: "If you want the smell of Christmas in your house, you might choose a grand fir." Its one drawback is holding needles, so cut it in early December and keep it in water.
From OSU News, "Oregonians have many choices for Christmas trees," Dec. 2, 2011, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
White fir, which has a white bloom on top of the needle, and the other flat-needled firs.
From Oregon State University, true fir species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
Named a quality Christmas tree on the Ochoco.
From Ochoco National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Noble fir
Abies procera
- In winter
Needles about an inch long, white on both sides and curved like a hockey stick, massed on top of the twig. The tell: a tiny groove runs down the top of each needle. Reddish-brown twigs. Its big cones fall apart on the tree.
From Oregon State University, true fir species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Washington, Oregon and northern California, mostly about 3,000 to 5,600 feet in the Cascades; on Mt. Hood, above 3,200 feet.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, noble fir, Oregon State University, true fir species and Mt. Hood NF "Christmas Tree Guidelines" (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
The Northwest's gold standard: the tree "least likely to shed needles on your living room carpet," blue-green and even, with short stiff branches for heavy ornaments.
From OSU News, "Oregonians have many choices for Christmas trees," Dec. 2, 2011, OSU North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Christmas Tree Seed Orchards and University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
California and Shasta red fir, which have a ridge on top of the needle instead of a groove. People also mix it up with subalpine and silver fir.
From Oregon State University, true fir species and OSU News, "Oregonians have many choices for Christmas trees," Dec. 2, 2011, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
Sought after on the Gifford Pinchot, which warns it mostly grows up high, where you can't drive in winter.
From Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Pacific silver fir
Abies amabilis
- In winter
Needles about an inch long, green on top and white underneath. The tell: the top needles point forward like ski jumpers while the side needles stick straight out. Round, purple, pitchy buds and bark that stays gray all its life.
From Oregon State University, true fir species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Southeast Alaska, Washington, Oregon and northwest California, about 1,100 to 6,600 feet.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, Pacific silver fir and Oregon State University, true fir species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
Used for Christmas trees and greenery. The sources disagree on its needles: Mt. Hood groups it with noble fir as holding them a long time, while Oregon State's specialist said silver and subalpine firs don't hold them as well as nobles.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, Pacific silver fir, Mt. Hood NF "Christmas Tree Guidelines" (PDF) and OSU News, "Oregonians have many choices for Christmas trees," Dec. 2, 2011, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Grand fir and noble fir.
From Oregon State University, true fir species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The Gifford Pinchot names noble and silver as the sought-after true firs.
From Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
California red fir and Shasta red fir
Abies magnifica
- In winter
Needles about an inch long, white on both sides, hockey-stick shaped and massed on top. The tell: a tiny ridge runs down the top of the needle, where noble fir has a groove. Buds without resin, and upright cones 6 to 9 inches long.
From Oregon State University, true fir species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
California, Oregon and the edge of western Nevada: about 4,500 to 5,500 feet in the Klamath and Coast ranges and up to 9,000 in the southern Sierra. Shasta red fir grows from Mount Lassen north to Mackenzie Pass in Oregon.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, California red fir and Oregon Encyclopedia, "Shasta fir," Frank A. Lang, updated March 17, 2018, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
Used for Christmas trees. The Oregon Encyclopedia calls the young "silvertip" a highly desired one for its form, its color and the way it keeps its needles.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, California red fir and Oregon Encyclopedia, "Shasta fir," Frank A. Lang, updated March 17, 2018, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Noble fir. Shasta red fir is likely a hybrid of noble fir and California red fir.
From Oregon State University, true fir species, Oregon Encyclopedia, "Shasta fir," Frank A. Lang, updated March 17, 2018 and Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, California red fir, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The Klamath lists red fir at Deer Mountain, Willow Creek Mountain, Carter Meadows Summit and Etna Summit. Popular on the Humboldt-Toiyabe and Inyo.
From Klamath National Forest on Recreation.gov, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on Recreation.gov and Inyo National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Balsam fir
Abies balsamea
- In winter
Short, flat needles, 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches, rounded at the tip, dark green with a silvery cast and fragrant. Young bark is gray and smooth, with resin blisters that pop.
From University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species, Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, balsam fir and Oregon State University, true fir genus, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
The Upper Midwest and the Northeast, and south along the Appalachians to Virginia and West Virginia, from near sea level to about 5,600 feet.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, balsam fir, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
A popular Christmas tree in the East, and the wreath tree. The Chequamegon-Nicolet calls it the most popular species there: plentiful, and it "retains needles very well."
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, balsam fir and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The Superior prefers balsam fir and doesn't allow white pine or cedar.
From Superior National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Douglas-fir and the spruces
Douglas-fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
- In winter
Single, blunt needles about an inch long, green above with two white bands underneath, narrowing where they meet the twig. The tell: a pointed, cigar-shaped bud with reddish-brown scales. Its cones hang down, with three-pointed bracts sticking out like a snake's tongue, and you'll often find them under the tree in winter.
From Oregon State University, douglas-fir species, "Tree Species Identification & Description," Nov. 8, 2010 (Colorado FS permit attachment, PDF), Utah State University Extension, douglas fir and Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
From British Columbia to Mexico, from sea level on the coast to 7,000 feet in the Cascades and Sierra and 11,000 in the southern Rockies. In Arizona, often on north-facing slopes in canyons.
From Oregon State University, douglas-fir species and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
One of the best smells when you crush a needle, a good cone shape and "nice and fluffy." Kept in water, it should hold its needles through December. Its twigs are only fair for heavy ornaments.
From University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species, OSU News, "Oregonians have many choices for Christmas trees," Dec. 2, 2011 and Virginia Cooperative Extension pub 420-082, Table 2 "Selected characteristics of species used for Christmas tree production" (adapted from Michigan State E-1155), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
The true firs: check the pointy bud and the hanging cone. It's been called a pine, a spruce, a hemlock and a true fir, and it isn't any of them.
From Oregon State University, douglas-fir genus, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The main tree on the Siuslaw and one of the most popular on the Gifford Pinchot. But the San Juan says "Do NOT cut these trees: Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir."
From Siuslaw National Forest on Recreation.gov, Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Recreation.gov and San Juan National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Engelmann spruce
Picea engelmannii
- In winter
Square needles about an inch long that roll between your fingers, each on a little woody peg, so a bare twig feels rough. Cones hang down, 1 to 2.5 inches, with papery scales, and the crown is a narrow steeple. The smell splits the sources: Oregon State says the needles stink when crushed, Utah State says fragrant.
From Utah State University Extension, engelmann spruce, Oregon State University, spruce species, "Tree Species Identification & Description," Nov. 8, 2010 (Colorado FS permit attachment, PDF) and Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
High in the Cascades and the Rockies, mostly on shaded north slopes and in cool stream bottoms.
From Oregon State University, spruce species and Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived), read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
Prickly, and an archived 2006 Medicine Bow-Routt page warned it dries out and drops its needles faster than the other trees.
From "Tree Species Identification & Description," Nov. 8, 2010 (Colorado FS permit attachment, PDF) and Medicine Bow-Routt NF Christmas trees page (2006, archived), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Subalpine fir, which is soft and flat and won't roll, and blue spruce, which is sharper and bluer, with bigger cones and a cone-shaped crown, not a steeple.
From Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on Recreation.gov and Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived), read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
Allowed on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison and the Cibola, not on the Fishlake's Richfield district.
From Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest on Recreation.gov, Cibola National Forest on Recreation.gov and Fishlake National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Blue spruce
Picea pungens
- In winter
Square, stiff needles about an inch long, blue-white to dark green, very sharp and sticking out all around the twig. Cones 2.5 to 4 inches hang down. The tell: the sharpest needles you'll touch, on a tree near a stream. It's green as often as blue in the wild.
From Utah State University Extension, blue spruce and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, along streams and on wet ground, roughly 6,500 to 9,800 feet. The state tree of Colorado and Utah.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, blue spruce, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
Stiff branches that hold heavy decorations and good needle retention, though it drops needles in a warm room.
From University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species and Virginia Cooperative Extension pub 420-082, Table 2 "Selected characteristics of species used for Christmas tree production" (adapted from Michigan State E-1155), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Engelmann spruce, and white fir from a distance.
From Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived) and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The White River says "Do not cut Colorado Blue Spruce," and the Fishlake bars it on two districts; neither page says why. Allowed on the Cibola's Mountainair and Mt. Taylor districts.
From White River National Forest on Recreation.gov, Fishlake National Forest on Recreation.gov and Cibola National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Sitka spruce
Picea sitchensis
- In winter
Sharp, often flat needles about an inch long, green above and blue-green to white below, each on a square woody peg. Cones hang down, with thin, jagged scales. The tell is where you are: it grows only along the Pacific coast, near sea level.
From Oregon State University, spruce species and Oregon State University, spruce genus, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
A narrow coastal strip from Alaska to California, up to about 3,900 feet in Alaska.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, Sitka spruce, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
A Juneau visitor center staffer says spruce has spikier needles than hemlock but is often "a little more conical" in shape.
From KTOO, "What to know before harvesting your Christmas tree in Juneau," Nov. 28, 2025, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Engelmann spruce, which has square, one-color needles and grows high in the mountains.
From Oregon State University, spruce genus, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The Chugach's flyer offers one free tree per household with no permit, cut at least 200 feet from roads and rec sites and 450 feet from streams and lakes.
From Chugach NF "Christmas Tree Cutting Program" flyer (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
White spruce and Black Hills spruce
Picea glauca
- In winter
Short, stiff needles, 1/2 to 3/4 inch, green to bluish-green, and cones 1 to 2.4 inches that hang down. The tell: crushed needles smell unpleasant.
From University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species and Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, white spruce, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Alaska and the northern states, with outposts in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. In the Black Hills it grows at about 5,700 to 6,700 feet, on wetter north slopes and canyon bottoms.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, white spruce and Black Hills NF Christmas tree brochure (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
The Black Hills National Forest calls spruce very popular, with "a classic tapered form" and short needles that make lights and ornaments easy. One extension service rates its needle-holding good, another fair, and its smell poor.
From Black Hills NF Christmas tree brochure (PDF), University of Illinois Extension, Christmas Trees: Tree Species and Virginia Cooperative Extension pub 420-082, Table 2 "Selected characteristics of species used for Christmas tree production" (adapted from Michigan State E-1155), read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The Chippewa names black and white spruce among its common choices, and the Hiawatha says cut only balsam and spruce, not pine.
From Chippewa National Forest on Recreation.gov and Hiawatha National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
The pines
Lodgepole pine
Pinus contorta
- In winter
Two needles to a bundle, 1 to 3 inches, yellow-green and often twisted. Small egg-shaped cones with a prickle on each scale that stay shut on the tree for years.
From Oregon State University, pine species and Utah State University Extension, lodgepole pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
All over the West, from sea level to 11,500 feet. It comes back thick after fires.
From Oregon State University, pine species and Utah State University Extension, lodgepole pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
An archived 2006 Medicine Bow-Routt page recommended it alongside subalpine fir; the 2006 Pike-San Isabel guide calls its needles sparse.
From Medicine Bow-Routt NF Christmas trees page (2006, archived) and Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Pinyon pine, which also has two needles but round, prickle-free cones full of nuts.
From Utah State University Extension, pinyon pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
Allowed on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison, Fremont-Winema, Humboldt-Toiyabe, Inyo and Ochoco.
From Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest on Recreation.gov, Fremont-Winema National Forest on Recreation.gov, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on Recreation.gov, Inyo National Forest on Recreation.gov and Ochoco National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Ponderosa pine and Jeffrey pine
Pinus ponderosa, P. jeffreyi
- In winter
Long needles, 5 to 10 inches, in bundles of 3, sometimes 2 (Utah State says 2 and 3 on Utah's trees). Old trees' bark flakes off in jigsaw-puzzle pieces, and the inner bark smells of vanilla. Jeffrey pine's cone prickles curve inward, gentle to hold, and its cones run 5 to 12 inches.
From Oregon State University, pine species and Utah State University Extension, ponderosa pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
The Pacific Coast ranges, the Rockies and on into Mexico, sea level to 9,000 feet, mostly on dry south slopes. Jeffrey pine from southern Oregon through the Sierra Nevada.
From Oregon State University, pine species and Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived), read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
The Black Hills National Forest likes its full shape and long, graceful needles.
From Black Hills NF Christmas tree brochure (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Jeffrey pine: bigger cones, inward prickles and redder bark.
From Oregon State University, pine species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
Off limits on the San Juan and Manti-La Sal and at BLM's Vernal office, and only on Boulder Mountain on the Fishlake. Allowed on the Nebraska, Fremont-Winema, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison, Cibola and Ochoco, and in the Black Hills.
From San Juan National Forest on Recreation.gov, Manti-La Sal National Forest on Recreation.gov, BLM Vernal FO stipulations (PDF), Fishlake National Forest on Recreation.gov, Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands on Recreation.gov, Fremont-Winema National Forest on Recreation.gov, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest on Recreation.gov, Cibola National Forest on Recreation.gov, Ochoco National Forest on Recreation.gov and Black Hills NF Christmas tree brochure (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
Pinyon pines
Pinus edulis, P. monophylla
- In winter
Two-needle pinyon: stiff, yellow-green needles 1 to 2 inches, two to a bundle, and roundish cones with no prickles that hold big, edible nuts. Singleleaf pinyon is the only pine with its needles borne one at a time.
From Utah State University Extension, pinyon pine and Utah State University Extension, singleleaf pinyon pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Dry, lower ground with the junipers, often near the edge of the national forest: two-needle pinyon generally 4,500 to 9,000 feet, singleleaf pinyon about 3,300 to 9,200.
From Utah State University Extension, pinyon pine, "Tree Species Identification & Description," Nov. 8, 2010 (Colorado FS permit attachment, PDF), Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, two-needle pinyon and Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, singleleaf pinyon, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
The most common true pine cut for Christmas in New Mexico.
From NMSU Southwest Yard and Garden, Dec. 2, 2000 and Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, two-needle pinyon, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Lodgepole pine (also two needles, but prickly cones), and the two pinyons look like each other: count the needles.
From Utah State University Extension, lodgepole pine, Utah State University Extension, pinyon pine and Utah State University Extension, singleleaf pinyon pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
The core BLM tree: BLM Nevada says pinyon and Utah juniper are the species most often allowed. BLM's Carson City District allows pinyon only in named ranges east of Fallon and in the Excelsior Mountains. The Gila offers free pinyon permits.
From BLM Forest Product Permits (national page), BLM Carson City District announcement (dated Nov. 9, 2026 on page) and Gila National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Bristlecone pines
Pinus longaeva, P. aristata
- In winter
Five needles to a bundle, 1 to 1.5 inches, curved and flecked with white specks of dried resin. Each cone scale is tipped with a long bristle. They can live over 4,000 years.
From Utah State University Extension, bristlecone pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
The Pike-San Isabel doesn't recommend it: it's sappy, "both messy and can be a fire hazard."
From Pike and San Isabel National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
Banned on the Dixie and Carson, allowed on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison. A five-needle-pine ban covers it too.
From Dixie National Forest on Recreation.gov, Carson National Forest on Recreation.gov, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest on Recreation.gov and Fremont-Winema NF "Whitebark Pine Identification Guide" (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
Junipers, incense-cedar and the hemlocks
Junipers
Juniperus scopulorum, J. osteosperma, J. monosperma, J. occidentalis
- In winter
Tiny scale leaves hugging the twig, and berry-like cones. Rocky Mountain juniper: bright blue berries, often with a white coat, and bark peeling in narrow strips. Utah juniper: red-brown berries with one seed, often shrubby, about 15 feet. One-seed juniper: dark blue to purple berries and several curved limbs from the base. Western juniper: a resin dot on the back of each scale and a strong smell. Locally, juniper is often called cedar.
From Oregon State University, juniper species, Utah State University Extension, rocky mountain juniper, Utah State University Extension, utah juniper, Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, one-seed juniper and BLM Uncompahgre FO special stipulations (PDF), read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Rocky Mountain juniper from the western plains through the Rockies, Utah juniper across the Great Basin, one-seed juniper in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, and western juniper from Washington to California, near sea level to over 10,000 feet.
From Utah State University Extension, rocky mountain juniper, Utah State University Extension, utah juniper, Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, one-seed juniper and Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, western juniper, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
A shorter tree with a full shape and bluish-green color, the Black Hills says, and many are cut for Christmas in New Mexico.
From Black Hills NF Christmas tree brochure (PDF) and NMSU Southwest Yard and Garden, Dec. 2, 2000, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Each other (check the berry color and seed count), and incense-cedar, which has flat sprays and duck-bill cones.
From Utah State University Extension, utah juniper, Utah State University Extension, rocky mountain juniper and Oregon State University, "Dichotomous Key to Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest" (OSU key, PDF hosted by NPS), read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
On the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache's Salt Lake District, cutting is only in the Stansbury Mountains and only juniper. BLM's Price and Ely offices allow pinyon and Utah juniper, and Ely adds white fir.
From Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on Recreation.gov, BLM Price FO stipulations (PDF) and BLM Ely District Christmas tree permit sheet (PDF, 2024 season), read Nov 11, 2026.
Incense-cedar
Calocedrus decurrens
- In winter
Scale leaves in flat sprays, each set of four much longer than wide, like a long-stemmed wine glass. The tell: inch-long cones shaped like a duck's bill when closed and a flying goose when open. Reddish-brown, furrowed bark.
From Oregon State University, incense-cedar, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Oregon, California and western Nevada, below about 6,600 feet in Oregon and 8,000 in California.
From Oregon State University, incense-cedar and Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, incense-cedar, read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
Popular on the Humboldt-Toiyabe, allowed on four Fremont-Winema districts and on parts of the Klamath. We found no source rating its smell, needles or branches.
From Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on Recreation.gov, Fremont-Winema National Forest on Recreation.gov and Klamath National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Western redcedar, which several northern Rockies forests ban, and the junipers.
From Oregon State University, "Dichotomous Key to Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest" (OSU key, PDF hosted by NPS) and Idaho Panhandle National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Western hemlock and mountain hemlock
Tsuga heterophylla, T. mertensiana
- In winter
Short needles on little rounded pegs, and droopy tops and branches. Western hemlock's are under 3/4 inch, blunt, in two lengths, green above and white below; mountain hemlock's are blue-green all around in star-like clusters. The tell: the drooping leader at the very top.
From Oregon State University, hemlock genus and Oregon State University, hemlock species, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Where
Western hemlock in the coastal Northwest up to 7,400 feet; mountain hemlock from Alaska down the Cascades and Olympics to the Sierra crest, up to 10,000 feet.
From Oregon State University, hemlock species and Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, mountain hemlock, read Nov 11, 2026.
- As a Christmas tree
Mt. Hood warns that hemlocks "brown and lose their needles quickly." A Juneau staffer says they're really soft, with very flexible branches.
From Mt. Hood NF "Christmas Tree Guidelines" (PDF) and KTOO, "What to know before harvesting your Christmas tree in Juneau," Nov. 28, 2025, read Nov 11, 2026.
- Looks like
Pacific yew, whose needles are green underneath, not white, and the true firs.
From Oregon State University, "Dichotomous Key to Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest" (OSU key, PDF hosted by NPS), read Nov 11, 2026.
- On the permit
Banned on the Okanogan-Wenatchee's Cle Elum district, and eastern hemlock on the Monongahela, Chequamegon-Nicolet and Huron-Manistee.
From Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on Recreation.gov, Monongahela National Forest on Recreation.gov, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest on Recreation.gov and Huron-Manistee National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Best trees by what you want
Trees you can't cut, and why
Some trees are protected, and the forests say so plainly. Others are banned on some forests with no reason given, and we don't make one up.
From Fremont-Winema NF "Whitebark Pine Identification Guide" (PDF) and White River National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
One more on the Mendocino: Mendocino and Lake counties are in the Sudden Oak Death quarantine area, and a tree cut there may not leave those counties.
From Mendocino National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Why cutting one helps, and other good stuff
It helps the forest. The San Juan says it plainly: "Cutting a Christmas tree improves forest health." Young white firs burn easily and act as ladder fuel, carrying a fire from the ground into the treetops.
From San Juan NF Christmas trees, read Nov 11, 2026.
That's why there are so many little firs. With fewer fires over the last century, white fir and Douglas-fir have filled in as thick stands under the big trees and into aspen groves.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, white fir and Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir, read Nov 11, 2026.
Some forests want conifers out of the aspen. The Bridger-Teton encourages taking conifers from aspen stands, and the Caribou-Targhee asks you to pick a tree with defects and leave the healthiest to grow.
From Bridger-Teton National Forest on Recreation.gov and Caribou-Targhee National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Pick from the crowd. Mt. Hood asks you to make sure another tree grows within 12 feet, and the White River says don't cut a lone tree in an opening.
From Mt. Hood NF "Christmas Tree Guidelines" (PDF) and White River National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Fir cones sit like little owls. They perch on the top branches, then fall apart scale by scale. Poke a resin blister on a young fir's bark and it oozes clear liquid.
From Oregon State University, true fir genus, read Nov 11, 2026.
Sniff a ponderosa. The old Pike-San Isabel guide: "Some say the bark smells like vanilla or butterscotch? You decide."
From Pike & San Isabel NF "Holiday Tree Identification Guide" (2006, archived), read Nov 11, 2026.
Douglas-fir isn't a fir. The hyphen tells you so, and its Latin name means "false hemlock."
From Oregon State University, douglas-fir genus, read Nov 11, 2026.
Whitebark pine needs a bird. Its cones don't open. Clark's nutcrackers spread the seeds by caching them, and grizzlies raid squirrels' seed stashes.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, whitebark pine, read Nov 11, 2026.
State trees. Blue spruce for Colorado and Utah, Black Hills spruce for South Dakota.
From Forest Service Fire Effects Information System, blue spruce, South Dakota Codified Laws 1-6-11 (state tree) and Nebraska Forest Service (University of Nebraska), "Spruce, White (Black Hills Spruce)", read Nov 11, 2026.
Written by More Than Just Parks from the agencies' own pages, read Nov 11, 2026. The permit you buy, and the map and rules printed on it, govern. Not a permit, not the agency.