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Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.

Balsam fir

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionConiferophytaConifers—cone-bearing trees (and a few shrubs)
ClassPinopsidaGymnosperms such as cedars, Douglas-firs, cypresses, firs, junipers, kauri, larches, pines, hemlocks, redwoods, spruces, and yews
OrderPinalesCone-bearing plants: cedar, cypress, fir, juniper, larch, pine, redwood, spruce, yew, and others
FamilyPinaceaePine family: cedars, firs, hemlocks, larches, pines and spruces
GenusAbiesLatin name for silver fir
SpeciesbalsameaContains a resin called Canada balsam

About plant names...

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).

Online References:

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (detailed article)

Earl J.S. Rook's Flora, Fauna, Earth, and Sky ... The Natural History of the Northwoods (also very informative)

The Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation

The University of Connecticut Plant Database

The USDA Forest Service's Fire Effects Information Database

The Missouri Botanical Garden

Www.srs.fs.usda.gov

The Gymnosperm Database

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

5/15/2016 · Mt. Watatic, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

8/22/2020 · Warbler’s Way, Moose Alley, Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson, Maine · ≈ 5 × 3½″ (13 × 9.2 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

6/10/2016 · Lobster Cove Trail, Monhegan Island, Maine · ≈ 12 × 8″ (31 × 20 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

4/3/2010 · Birch Point Beach State Park, Owl’s Head, Maine · ≈ 6 × 3½″ (14 × 9.3 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

6/16/2013 · Birch Point State Park, Owl’s Head, Maine · ≈ 9 × 6″ (23 × 16 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

9/18/2009 · Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 4 × 2½″ (10 × 7 cm) ID is uncertain

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

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

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

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.

© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.


 

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

7/12/2015 · Mt. Kearsarge, Wilmot/Warner, New Hamp­shire · ≈ 7 × 10″ (16 × 25 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

10/15/2023 · Mt. Battie, Camden Hills State Park, Camden, Maine

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

9/18/2009 · Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 1½ × 1′ (47 × 31 cm) ID is uncertain

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

4/3/2010 · Owl’s Head Lighthouse, Owl’s Head, Maine · ≈ 7 × 4½″ (17 × 11 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

8/30/2020 · Cliff Trail, Harpswell, Maine · ≈ 8 × 5″ (20 × 13 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

8/22/2020 · Warbler’s Way, Moose Alley, Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson, Maine · ≈ 5 × 3½″ (13 × 9.2 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

9/19/2009 · Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 1½ × 1′ (52 × 34 cm) ID is uncertain

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

6/16/2013 · Birch Point State Park, Owl’s Head, Maine · ≈ 15 × 10″ (37 × 25 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

8/28/2020 · Jack’s and Litchfield Trails, Chase Reserve, Brunswick, Maine · ≈ 4½ × 7″ (12 × 18 cm)

Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

6/16/2013 · Birch Point State Park, Owl’s Head, Maine · ≈ 15 × 10″ (37 × 25 cm)

Range: Zones 3-6:

About this map...