Balsam fir is native to North America. They can live for up to 200 years. It is found
mixed with other trees such as spruce, hemlock, white birch, aspen, and red maple in boreal forests.
They prefer glacial, acid, humusy soils, with abundant rainfall.
They are a popular choice for a Christmas tree.
Plants: 46-66′ (14-20 m) tall, up to a maximum
of 89′ (27 m). They are conical, and tend to be symmetrical.
Bark is thin, smooth, and gray or gray-brown; with resin blisters. On older trees, the bark becomes brown
and scaly. Trees reach a diameter of 1-2½′ (30-76 cm).
Leaves: Flat shiny dark green needles ½-⅞″ (1.5-2.5 cm) long.
Needle tips may be flat, notched, or rounded. Each needle has pale white bands comprised of tiny dots
called stomata. Needles have a distinctive, pleasant aroma when crushed.
Fruits: Cones are 1½-3″ (4-8 cm) long, green aging to dark
purple, and drying to brown. Individual seeds are triangular, 1/16-3/16″ (3-6 mm) × 1/16-⅛″ (2-3 mm).
8/22/2020 · Warbler’s Way, Moose Alley, Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson, Maine · ≈ 5 × 3½″ (13 × 9.2 cm)
6/10/2016 · Lobster Cove Trail, Monhegan Island, Maine · ≈ 12 × 8″ (31 × 20 cm)
4/3/2010 · Birch Point Beach State Park, Owl’s Head, Maine · ≈ 6 × 3½″ (14 × 9.3 cm)
6/16/2013 · Birch Point State Park, Owl’s Head, Maine · ≈ 9 × 6″ (23 × 16 cm)
9/18/2009 · Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 4 × 2½″ (10 × 7 cm) ID is uncertain
Notice the bands of white stomata—pores on the needles through which gases are exchanged between the tree and its surroundings. · 5/15/2016 · Mt. Watatic, Ashby, Massachusetts
8/1/2008 · Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 2 × 1′ (57 × 38 cm)
Abies balsamea description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 17 Oct 2023.