Abies fraseri NC, Roan Mt.

Abies fraseri, commonly known as Fraser's fir, or Fraser fir, is an endangered species of fir in the order Pinales native to the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. It is endemic to the Appalachian Mountains, where it grows in 48 populations on seven montane regions in the range. The tree grows between 10 and 15 m (30 and 50ft), sometimes even up to 25 m (80ft). Fraser fir trees have dark green needle-like leaves that spiral on their twigs and produce cylindrical cones that disintegrate when mature. The tree grows in areas that experience a cool and moist climate as well as frequent cloud coverage. There are many ecological factors that pose a threat to the species including the balsam woolly adelgid, a pest that eliminated over 80 percent of mature trees, as well as climate change. The tree is also cultivated for commercial use and is widely used as Christmas trees.