Notes from a plant nerd: Oh balsam tree, oh balsam tree

At the highest elevations of the Southern Appalachians grow two evergreen trees that give the Balsam Mountains their name — red spruce (Picea rubens) and Fraser fir (Abies fraseri).

Building a better Christmas tree: Research station aims to provide world’s best firs

Like any other farmers, Christmas trees growers in Western North Carolina are always looking for ways to grow more and better product. 

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