Balsam FirAbies balsamea

By: Seth Miles

Balsam Fir

• 14-20 Meters tall, rarely 27 meters tall.

• The bark is smooth, gray, and resin blisters becoming rough and scaly on old trees.

Balsam Fir

• North American Fir.• Native to most of

eastern and central Canada.

• Also native to the northeastern United States.

Balsam FirLeaf• Flat needle like

• 1.5-3 cm long• Dark green often with a

patch of stomata near the tip.

• Two white stomatal bands below.

• Slightly notched tips.• Arranged 180 degrees

around the stem.

Balsam FirCone

• 4-8 inches long.• Dark purple, ripening

brown.• Disintegrating to

release the winged seeds in September.

Balsam Fir Uses

• The bubbles of Balsam Fir bark are used to produce Canada balsam. It was used to mount microscope slides.

• The wood is used for paper manufacturing.

• It’s also a popular Christmas tree.