John Fraser might be N.C.’s ‘Father Christmas’

Botanist John Fraser of Scotland deserves to be declared an honorary North Carolinian. His contribution to the Old North State is immeasurable. 

In 1787, John Fraser spied the “perfect Christmas tree.” There it was – growing in a forest in the mountainous northwestern section of the state. This year marks the 235-year anniversary of Fraser’s discovery of the Fraser fir.

 

We should learn about John Fraser in order to become more knowledgeable ambassadors for North Carolina’s down-to-earth Christmas tree growing industry.

 

Fraser was one of the great European “plant hunters” who came to North America to explore the woods and meadows to select unique plants that could be uprooted and sent back to the Old Country. 

David Marsh, the webmaster at The Gardens Trust in London, England, said Fraser “once set the horticultural world on fire” with his discoveries – in excess of 200 species. 

William Curtis, founder of an esteemed botanical magazine in London, called Fraser “one of the most enterprising, indefatigable and persevering men in the cause of botany and natural science.” 

Charles Sargent, a noted American botanist, chimed in that the value of Fraser’s contributions to England has “never been surpassed.” 

John Fraser was born in 1750 in the village of Kiltarlity, not too far from Beaufort Castle on River Beauty in northern Scotland. In the 1770s, Fraser moved to London and became a retailer, selling linens and dry goods at a shop in the fashionable Chelsea neighborhood. 

For relaxation, Fraser began to frequent the renowned garden in Chelsea that was operated by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries for the growing of plants to be used as medicines. And it was there, Marsh said, that Fraser “became besotted by botany.” 

Fraser’s first venture from England to the Carolinas was in 1782. 

George Ellison of Bryson City, N.C., a noted author and naturalist, said that Fraser seemed to enjoy frolicking about in the Southern Appalachian region.

What set Fraser apart from the other horticulturists, Ellison said, was “his expertise at successfully shipping live plants back to Europe. Fraser may have initiated the practice of utilizing the moisture-holding properties of sphagnum moss as packing material” to prevent the plants from dying. 

On one expedition in 1787, Fraser was teamed with the great French botanist André Michaux. 

Apparently, “Fraser talked too much for Michaux, and when Michaux’ horse ran off, he told Fraser to go on ahead without him. As a consequence, John Fraser took the high road and discovered the Fraser fir,” said North Carolina State University’s Dr. Jill Sidebottom of Nebo, N.C.

Dr. Sidebottom, who has written extensively on Fraser firs, said: “The Fraser fir possesses a wonderful fragrance, soft needles and strong branches; it is uniquely suited as…the world’s best Christmas tree.” Frasers grow best at an elevation of about 3,000 feet.

 

Additionally, the uncanny ability of the Fraser fir to hold its needles after being cut may have a lot to do with “its home in the clouds,” Dr. Sidebottom said. “Not only do Frasers in their natural habitat receive a lot of rain, they are immersed in clouds about 35% of the time during summer. 

Before becoming a Christmas tree, the Fraser fir was used for medicinal purposes by the Cherokee tribe of Native Americans. 

“The Fraser fir was a panacea for the Cherokee inasmuch as it was used for such diverse ailments as lung pains, kidney trouble, internal ulcers, colds, venereal diseases and constipation,” Dr. Sidebottom said. “The resin of the plant was said to be highly effective when used externally on fresh wounds.”