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Fraser fir was named for John Fraser (1750-1811), a Scot botanist who
explored the southern Appalachian Mountains in the late 18th century.
The species is sometimes called Southern balsam or Southern balsam fir.
The combination of form, needle retention, dark blue-green color, pleasant
scent and excellent shipping characteristics has led to Fraser fir being
a most popular Christmas tree species. Leaves are 1/2 to one inch long,
have a broad circular base, and are usually dark green on the upper surface
and lighter on the lower surface. On lower branches, leaves are two-ranked
(occurring in two opposite rows). On upper twigs, leaves tend to curl
upward forming a more "U-shaped" appearance. |