Fraser fir

The Fraser fir, known scientifically as *Abies fraseri*, is an endangered evergreen conifer.

This tree is endemic to the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States. This means it is found naturally nowhere else on Earth. It is a vital part of high-elevation mountain ecosystems. These trees are often found in moist, acidic environments. They grow in specific regions across Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Because they are so specialized, they are very sensitive to changes in their environment.

Physically, the Fraser fir has a very distinct structure. It is a small evergreen tree that can reach tall heights. The crown of the tree is conical, meaning it is shaped like a cone. Its branches can grow horizontally or angle upward at up to 40 degrees. Young trees have a very dense appearance. As the trees reach maturity, the branches become more open. The bark is thin and grayish brown. On juvenile trees, the bark has many resinous blisters. As the tree ages, the bark becomes fissured and scaly.

The leaves of the Fraser fir are needle-like and arranged spirally on the twigs. However, they are twisted at the base to form two rows on either side of the twig. These needles are long, broad, flat, and flexible. They are dark or glaucous green on the top side, known as the adaxial surface. The underside, or abaxial surface, features two silvery white stomatal bands. Stomata are tiny pores that allow the tree to exchange gases. The tree also has a strong fragrance that resembles turpentine.

Reproduction in the Fraser fir involves a process called being monoecious. This means a single tree produces both male and female cones. Female cones are usually located near the top of the crown on the ends of branches. Male cones are located below the female cones, mostly in the upper half of the crown. The cone buds typically open between mid-May and early June. The cones are cylindrical and can be dark purple or pale brown. When they mature, they disintegrate over four to six months. This process releases winged seeds into the environment. Seed production often begins when a tree is 15 years old.

The history of the tree's name is tied to the Scottish botanist John Fraser. He lived from 1750 to 1811 and collected many botanical specimens in this region. In the past, people called it "she-balsam." They used this name because they could "milk" resin from blisters in its bark. This was in contrast to the "he balsam," or red spruce, which could not be milked. The tree is closely related to the balsam fir, *Abies balsamea*. Some botanists have even treated it as a subspecies or a variety of that tree.

One of the greatest threats to the Fraser fir is the balsam woolly adelgid. This is a non-native insect that arrived from Europe. The spread of this insect caused a rapid decline in the species. It killed over 80 percent of the mature trees in its range. This loss of trees also hurt the habitat for the endangered spruce-fir moss spider. However, there are signs of recovery. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the number of adult trees increased by 2020. On Kuwohi, the highest peak in Tennessee, there are now three times as many adult trees as before.

Despite these ecological challenges, the Fraser fir is highly valued by humans. It is a major part of the multimillion-dollar Christmas tree trade in the southern Appalachians. The tree is prized for its pyramidal shape, dark blue-green color, and pleasant scent. It also has excellent shipping characteristics. Because of these traits, it has been used as the White House Christmas tree more than any other species.

In 2005, North Carolina even made the Fraser fir its official state Christmas tree. Today, it is cultivated in several northern states and in Quebec to meet this demand.