Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is an attractive evergreen with dark green “flat and friendly” needles that are softer and not sharp like spruces, but provide similar excellent habitat benefits. Seedlings are shade-tolerant to start, but bolt quickly when a canopy opening appears. Fragrant resin and boughs give this fir its name.

BUNDLE BREAKDOWN:

Bundle of 5: $19

Bundle of 10: $33

Bundle of 25: $69

Bundle of 50: $111

Bundle of 100: $167

STATS ON BALSAM FIRM

• Mature Height:  50 –70 feet

• Mature Width:  15–35 feet

• Soil Type:  Acid, Moist, Well-Drained

• Moisture:  Moderate, Moist, Drought-Tolerant

• Sun:  Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade

• Growth Rate:  Slow, Moderate
  
  

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF BALSAM FIR

• Smooth bark is covered with “pimples” filled with fragrant, sticky resin as defense against herbivory.

• Purple cones stand upright on branches, but turn dark green and shatter upon maturity.

• Balsam fir does well in a variety of sites, from dry to moist, but does poorly on hot, exposed sites.

• Important resource for many game species.

• Makes excellent Christmas trees.

VISITORS ATTRACTED TO BALSAM FIR