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North American Tree Species

        
Southern balsam fir (Fraser fir) and red spruce regeneration on top of  Mt. Mitchell  (North Carolina)

Fraser fir (Abies fraseri):  Fraser fir is the only native fir of the southeastern United States. John Fraser (1750-1811), the Scottish explorer, discovered this fir and introduced it to Europe.  The fir is now cultivated commercially as a Christmas tree.  

Part of the Black Mountains, Mt. Mitchell is a dramatic 6,684 feet above sea level.  The Mountain is the tallest east of the Mississippi River.  Red spruce covers the slopes and Fraser fir dominates the peak.  Rhododendron and hardwoods populate the surrounding area. Many of the trees of Mt. Mitchell are dying. Scientists have determined that an insect, the balsam wooly adelgid is the primary cause of the destruction of this forest.

Mt. Mitchell State Park from tower

More on Mt. Mitchell
More on Fraser fir
More on balsam wooly adelgid
More on red spruce

North American Tree Main Index