Abies Balsamea, Balsam Fir Tree Identification Fact Sheet

Tree, shrub, and vine identification project profile for Balsam Fir. This info may be used for research but may not be copied in part or in whole and used as one's own schoolwork. For other trees, shrubs, and vines native to the eastern United States, see tree, shrub, and vine identification project, main page. For pictures, see Tall evergreens slideshow.

Plant Botanical Name: Abies Balsamea

Common Name: Balsam Fir

Family Name: Pinaceae

Plant is Native to What Country: Northern USA and Canada

Plant Height at Maturity: 60 feet tall by 20-30 feet wide

Plant Habit and Form: Evergreen tree with narrow conical form. Slow growing tree with fine to medium texture.

Foliage: Evergreen needles, to 1" long. Shiny dark green above, dark green with two white stomatal lines on underside. Leaves are arranged horizontally.

Bark: Dark green bark on young branches, turning gray with age. Remains smooth on older trunks, with resin blisters.

Flower: Monoecious yellow flowers are inconspicuous.

Fruit/Seed: Brown cones found mostly on upper third of tree. Cones are resinous and shatter at or shortly after ripening. Cones are typically 3-4 inches long.

Growing Requirements: Balsam Fir likes to grow in well-drained, acidic soil in cooler climates. Trees dislike heat and dry air.

Problems and Drawbacks: Plants are affected by wooly aphid, spruce budworm, and cankers. Trees do not perform well in the landscape and are often damaged by deer.

Special Uses: Can be used as a specimen tree or planted to provide shelter for birds and animals. Balsam fir is a popular Christmas tree.

ID Tips/Remarks: Needles have notched tips, arranged 2-rank along twigs in a V-shape.

Balsam fir, seen growing naturally in the mountains in northern united states and Canada, is a popular christmas tree and most people are familliar with balsam fir used in Christmas decorations and as Christmas trees.

Bibliography: www.hort.uconn.edu/plants, www.plants.usda.gov