Balsam fir

Language English

Onglets

Description

This 10 to 22 m tall tree has flattened needles arranged on either side of the branch. The needles are 3 to 4 cm long, do not roll easily between the thumb and index finger and have two white lines on their underside.

The bark is smooth and greyish, with raised resin blisters when young. With age, the bark becomes furrowed and brownish.

Reproduction

Both male and female cones are borne on the same tree. They are very resinous and stand erect on the branch. From 5 to 10 cm long, they ripen in the fall of the first year, when the seeds drop off, leaving the bare axis on the tree until the following summer.

Balsam fir may be propagated by layering.

Habitat, distribution

This tree is adaptable to a variety of habitats, but prefers moist, cool and relatively well-drained sites.

Balsam fir is the most northerly species of fir in the world, growing at 58°N latitude in Ungava.

Ecology

Balsam fir forms pure stands, but also grows mixed with spruces, white birch and trembling aspen. Seedlings may grow under spruce stands.

This fir is capable of quickly taking over a site after it has been disturbed. It grows slowly for the first 4 or 5 years, then more quickly up to age 60, then again slowly until it stops growing at about age 150.

Uses and effects

Balsam fir resin is known around the world. Of all the resins from conifers it was the most widely used and effective in French Canadian folk medicine. Its antiseptic properties make it useful in treating burns and wounds. It was used in preparing microscope slides and is an ingredient in some soaps, glues, candles, perfumes and deodorants.

The wood is mostly used in the pulp and paper industry. It is used to make crates, doors, panelling, oleoresin and essential oils.

These trees are also sold as Christmas trees.

Scientific name

Abies balsamea

French name

Sapin baumier

Plant form

Conifer

Family

Pinaceae

Languages

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Balsam fir

Onglets

Description

Reproduction

Habitat, distribution

Ecology

Uses and effects

Scientific name

French name

Plant form

Family

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