E C A

Exotic Conifer Association





Join us: August 5-8, 2021 at the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association Summer meeting near West Jefferson, NC

Save the date and watch for your registration information here and to ECA members via USPS in June 2021

See "Events" for more details


Who are we?

We are a group of individuals interested in exploring alternative species of Christmas trees and ornamentals. The purpose of this association is to promote the use of potentially exciting and beautiful conifers that will enhance our home and landscape not only during the Christmas season but throughout the entire year.

ECA Mission

The mission of the Exotic Conifer Association is to educate, collect, and disseminate information from the experience of growing non-invasive exotic conifers as Christmas trees and ornamentals.


Many exotics can provide one or more of the following benefits:

    • Exceptional needle retention, foliage, color, density and texture

    • Desirable shape and form with little shearing

    • Insect and disease resistance

    • Frost and drought resistance

    • Aesthetically pleasing, interesting, and culturally educational

Our Objectives:

  1. To encourage quality seed availability and seed orchard establishment

  2. Coordinate group purchases of seeds, plugs, seedlings, and transplants when available

  3. Sharing of information regarding exotic conifers through field days and online discussion groups

  4. Organizing an annual field day to observe, discuss, and share experiences about exotics