How to identify Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
Balsam fir is a coniferous tree species displaying a conical shape with a symmetrical crown. It typically grows to 45-75 feet (14-23 meters) in height. Its needles are flat, about 0.6-1.2 inches (1.5-3 cm) long, featuring a distinct balsam fragrance when crushed. The needles are a rich green above and have two white stripes underneath. The bark of young trees is smooth and gray but becomes rough and furrowed with age. The cones are erect, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, and dark purple, maturing to brown.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Flat needles with balsam scent, green above, white stripes below.
Resinous stem with balsam sap, smooth gray bark aging to rough.
Distinctive erect cones, dark purple maturing to brown, 2-4 inches.
Needles emit strong balsam fragrance when crushed, 1 inch long.
Conical shape with dense, forward-angled leaves, symmetrical crown structure.
The leaves of balsam fir are dense and directed forward and upward. Each needle is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, with a rounded or lightly notched apex. They exhibit a deep green color on the upper surface and two white longitudinal bands underneath. The needles emit a strong balsam fragrance when crushed, distinguishing them from other species.
Balsam fir does not produce flowers as it is a coniferous tree. Instead, it produces cones which facilitate reproduction. Male cones are small, cylindrical, and reddish, while female cones are larger, cylindrical, and dark purple to green.
The stem of balsam fir is cylindrical and notably resinous, producing a balsam-like sap. It displays a smooth, grayish-brown bark on younger branches, becoming rough and scaly with age. Typically, the stems are slender, measuring around 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in diameter. The branches of balsam fir are symmetrically arranged and usually ascend at an angle from the main trunk, contributing to its conical shape. These features are crucial for accurate identification.
The fruit of balsam fir is not typical but rather takes the form of cylindrical and resinous seed cones. These cones tend to be small, measuring 2.5 to 4 inches (6.35 to 10.16 cm) long. They are notable for appearing erect at the crown of the tree, with a distinctive aspect as the scales fall away post seed release in early autumn. Once the seeds depart, the bare center axis of the cone remains, potentially lingering on the tree for numerous years. The cones are commonly found at the tree's apex.
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Scientific Classification of Balsam fir
