Download Balsam Fir

Abies balsamea
(Balsam Fir)
• General Description: Evergreen
conifer, averaging 15 to 23 m in height.
Branches whorled. Bark on trunk of
young trees is smooth with resin
blisters but becoming scaly with aging.
•Distinguishing Characteristic: Leaves
are flat and needle like, unable to roll
between your fingers like with Black
Spruce. Remembering tip: Fir is Flat.
•Adaptation to its environment: Has
needles instead of leaves to conserve
water and energy. Keeps its needles
(leaves) all year around due to
northern climate.
•Habitat: Boreal Forest
Information adapted from
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ABBA
Picture taken by Kevin Anthony, July 20, 2008