Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)

Alternative Names

Latin (scientific) name: Abies balsamea

Common English name: Balsam fir

French name: Sapin baumier

Other Information

Tree Type: Conifer

Habitat: Highly adaptable to many soil types and climates

Hardiness Zones: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b

Description

The Balsam Fir is a large tall narrow conifer, growing up to 30 meters in height. It is one of the more recognizable trees in Ontario. It is the only native fir to Eastern Canada and has flat, blunt needles differentiating it from Spruce. These needles are shiny, dark green with white dots underneath.

It grows in a variety of climates and conditions, with shallow roots, making it easy to topple in extreme weather conditions.

Female cones are purple, stand upright and grow 4-10 cm long.

Its bark is gray and smooth with raised resin blisters when young. It develops irregular, brown scales with age.

Sources: Tree Canada and Tree Bee