Pinaceae -- Pine family

    Donald E. Beck

    Fraser fir (Abies fraseri), also called southern balsam fir and  she-balsam, is a small- to medium-size tree. It is the only fir endemic to  the southern Appalachian Mountains. The largest tree on record measures  almost 86 cm (34 in) in d.b.h., 26.5 m (87 ft) tall, and has a crown  spread of 15.8 m (52 ft). Because of the high elevation at which Fraser  fir grows, its primary value is for watershed protection and scenic  attraction.