Scientific name: Abies balsamea
Common name: balsam fir
Native: Yes
Native range: Native to the Midwest, northeastern United States, and Canada [1,2,3].
Distribution in North America: Click to view the USDA Plants Database page for A. balsamea.
USDA Zones: 3-5 [3]
Maximum age: 200 years maximum [2], but described as "relatively short lived" [1]. Shallow root system is fragile and vulnerable to fire [1].
Ecology: Important shelter for white-tailed deer, and food for moose, deer, small mammals and birds, such as grouse [2].
Ethnobotany: Balsam fir are commonly grown as Christmas trees but are also an important source of pulpwood and lumber [1,2]. Prior to the development of synthetic resins, Balsam fir resin was used in mounting microscopic specimens, as a cement in optometry applications, as in ingredient in some medicines, and as a component of furniture varnish [2]. Various Indigenous American groups use balsam fir resin and vegetation for a wide array of medicinal applications, as well as a source of fiber for mats and bedding [4].
