Abies fraseri aka Fraser Fir

The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is an endangered species of fir native to the Appalachian Mountains of the Southeastern United States. It is a medium-sized tree, reaching up to 15 meters in height, with a narrow, conical crown. The flattened, short leaves are shiny dark green above with two white bands below and densely borne on resinous stems. The cylindrical cones are 3.5-7cm long, initially dark purple and later maturing to brown with conspicuously-protruding bracts that bend downwards hiding the scales. This species is primarily found in the highest slopes and peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, between 1200 m and 2038 m above sea level. It thrives on the northern slopes with podzolic and moderately acidic soils. The climate in its distribution range is humid, with cool summers and cold winters characterized by heavy snowfalls. Annual rainfall ranges from 850 mm to 2000 mm. While the Fraser fir population is scattered, it can be found in pure populations at the highest points, as well as mixed with Picea rubens and Betula papyrifera above 1500 m. Unfortunately, the Fraser fir faces significant threats, with the insect Adelges piceae being the biggest destroyer. This alien pest was discovered in 1957 and quickly spread to all subpopulations, causing mass extinction. Since the 1980s, millions of trees have died, and only one significant population in Mount Rogers, Virginia, remains relatively unaffected. The Fraser fir is a visually striking tree, with an open, symmetrical, pyramidal to spire-shaped crown. It can grow up to 25 meters tall and 75 cm in diameter at chest level. The gray bark is thin and smooth, later turning gray. The branches diverge from the trunk at right angles, and the buds are bare, light brown, and conical. The leaves are flexible, measuring 1.2-2.5 cm in length and 1.5-2 mm in width. They have a flat cross-section and a dark shiny green upper surface, sometimes slightly bluish, with the apex ranging from slightly toothed to rounded. The Fraser fir reproduces through pollen cones, which turn red-yellow or yellow-green when pollinated. Its seed cones are cylindrical, measuring 3.5-6 cm in length and 2.5-4 cm in width. They are initially dark purple but mature into dark brown to black, with false yellowish-green bracts. The seeds are 4-5 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, with a brown body and wings of the same length, colored purple. The wood of the Fraser fir is pale brown with white sapwood, but it is not highly valued commercially. Despite its limited commercial value, the Fraser fir is widely used as a Christmas tree due to its natural "Christmas" shape and ability to retain its fragrant, dark green leaves well indoors. It is also popular as an ornamental tree in gardens. Overall, the Fraser fir is a unique and beautiful species that requires conservation efforts to protect it from further decline.