samplenajar's Identifications

Fraser fir - I encountered this tree in Pisgah National Forest in NC and then later saw beautiful stands (and smelled the wonderful aromas) on the ranges near Mt. Mitchell. Fraser firs are endangered, finding themselves on the last islands that support the ecosystem in which they thrive: the flat-topped loamy soils of the highest mountains east of the Mississippi. Apart from encroaching hardwood forest on the slopes of the mountain, Fraser fir is also suffering from a non-native pest and on Mt. Mitchell a sign will tell you that Fraser fir stands are also not fond of acid rain.