Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

The range of the Balsam fir is almost entirely in Canada and stretches from Newfoundland to Alberta. In the wild, firs take the shape of tall, narrow pyramids about 23 metres high. The wood of the tree is valued by the pulp and paper industry, while its thick, oily sap is used to make some medicines. Fir trees hold their needles well and are a good choice if the decorated tree is to be left standing for a long period of time.

Characteristics

Balsam bark is smooth on young trees and dotted with blisters filled with resin. The small, blunt cones are oblong, about six centimeters long and two and a half centimeters wide and appear in bunches. They stand upright on the branch. The needles are two to three centimeters in length, are rounded at the tip and are a dark, shiny green in colour. Unlike spruce needles, fir needles are flat and will not roll between your fingers.

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