Balsam Fir is native to the northeastern United States, and the Canadian provinces as far north as Baffin Island. Slow-growing, mature trees may reach 60 feet in height, and occasionally more, but in their rugged northern habitat are typically much smaller than the true firs of the western United States.

The mature trees have a narrow crown with a rather classical "Christmas tree" appearance.

The stiff needles are flat, up to an inch in length, bluish-green with stomata near the tip, and two white stomatal bands below. The needles are twisted at the base, rather like a Noble Fir. Young needles are twisted near the twig. Mature trees bear erect cones at the tops of the trees that are to three inches in length. They are dark purple and ripen to a brown color; these disintegrate in place. The bark of young trees is gray, with resin blisters, and fissured or scaly on older trees. The trunks are very straight, and the tree regular in outline.

This species is beautiful in its native habitat and quite unmistakable. They grow in mountainous zones, often with Black Spruce or White Spruce. The needles are browsed by moose, and the trees provide shelter for birds, hares, and deer.

Popular as Christmas trees, the resin is used for balsam, traditionally for colds and glue.

These trees were grown from seed collected in western Massachusetts and are four years old.

Size: Six-inch
Family: Pinaceae
Scientific Name: Abies balsamea