Abies balsamea Wisconsin - Conifer - Balsam Fir Page

Abies balsamea, commonly known as Balsam Fir, is a small to medium-size evergreen tree that grows up to 75 ft tall, with a narrow conic crown. Its needles are very aromatic and have a symmetrical, cone-shaped habit, especially when young. This tree prefers cool and moist conditions and is usually found in association with black spruce, white spruce, and trembling aspen. Balsam Fir is widely popular as a Christmas tree, especially in the northeastern USA and is the provincial tree of New Brunswick. Its resin is known for its antiseptic and healing properties, which are used internally to treat coughs, sore throats, and other complaints. The buds, resin, and/or sap of Balsam Fir are used in folk remedies for treating cancers, corns, and warts. The resin is also antiscorbutic, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant, and tonic. Additionally, Balsam Fir oil is an EPA approved non-toxic rodent repellent. This species is a slow-growing tree that is suitable for lumber and veneer products, as well as Christmas tree and nursery stock. Abies balsamea is native to most of eastern and central Canada and the northeastern United States.