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Common Name: Balsam Fir
Botanical name: Abies balsamea or Pinus balsamea
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Tree Type: Coniferous
Physical Description:
Growth Habit: The balsam fir is native, occurs statewide and is the most abundant conifer in
the state. On young trees the branches are horizontal, slender and produced in regular whorls to
form a symmetrical crown. In older trees, the top is often slim, regular and spire-like. It has flat
resinous needles approximately 0.4 -1.2 inches long. The needles are prone to pitch, dark green
and shiny above, silvery white below, with tips occasionally notched. The cylindrical cones
perch upright on one-year old branches on the crown. The bark is thin, gray, and smooth, with
resin blisters. It is brown and scaly on older trees. The root system is shallow.
Height: Balsam fir has a mature height of 60-70 feet with a trunk diameter of 12-20inches.
Shape: It is narrowly pyramidal in its shape, with persistent dead lower branches in the wild.
Distinguishing Features:
The balsam fir is the only fir native to the Maine North Woods. It is distinguished from spruce
trees by flat needles and upright cones (spruce trees have 4-sided needles and pendant oval
cones). Winter buds are covered with clear resin.
Interesting Facts:
The wood of the balsam fir is soft, light and moderately limber. It is used for lumber, pulp,
paneling, and crates. This species is favored for Christmas trees and wreaths. The bark blisters
contain oleoresin used to mount microscope specimens and for optical cement. The branches can
also be steamed to produce oil of balsam.
Relationship to Wildlife:
The balsam fir is a major food source for moose. It also provides food for deer, red squirrel,
spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, and insect eating birds are attracted to spruce budworm-infested
trees. The species provides winter cover for deer and moose as well as a safe haven for martins,
hares, deer, and songbirds.
Landscape Use:
Balsam fir is used in screens, mass plantings, and windbreaks. It requires sufficient moisture and
abhors drought. It is hardy to Zone 3.
References:
A Boundary Waters Compendium: www.rook.org/earl/nature/trees.