Fraser fir is the only fir endemic to the southern Appalachian mountains. It is primarily known for its use as a fragrant and shapely Christmas tree. Fraser fir is very similar to its northern counterpart, balsam fir. It requires a low amount of light and has a medium-paced growth rate. Because Fraser fir is shade tolerant, shelterwood and group selection methods work best for regeneration. Some Christmas tree growers harvest Fraser firs and leave one whorl of growth below the cut. This method is said to be sufficient for a normally growing, upright tree to reform.