Balsam Fir
(Abies balsamea)
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Species Description
**Description:** A fragrant, symmetrical conifer with flat needles and resin blisters on the bark.
1. Habitat in the ANF
Found in the cool, moist, high-elevation northern hardwood forests and near the edges of plateau bogs. It is often found growing alongside Red Spruce and Eastern Hemlock.
2. Behavior
Famous for its intense "Christmas tree" scent. The resin from the bark blisters (Canada Balsam) was historically used as a transparent glue for microscope slides and as a healing salve for wounds.
3. Identification
Look for flat needles that are rounded at the tip and have two silvery stripes on the underside. Unlike Spruce needles, which roll between your fingers, Fir needles are flat and cannot be rolled.
1. Habitat in the ANF
Found in the cool, moist, high-elevation northern hardwood forests and near the edges of plateau bogs. It is often found growing alongside Red Spruce and Eastern Hemlock.
2. Behavior
Famous for its intense "Christmas tree" scent. The resin from the bark blisters (Canada Balsam) was historically used as a transparent glue for microscope slides and as a healing salve for wounds.
3. Identification
Look for flat needles that are rounded at the tip and have two silvery stripes on the underside. Unlike Spruce needles, which roll between your fingers, Fir needles are flat and cannot be rolled.