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Balsam Fir

Abies balsamea

Balsam fir is the classic fragrant Christmas-tree fir of the northern forest, with flat aromatic needles and upright purple cones. Needs cool, moist, acidic conditions; not a heat-lover.

Family
Pinaceae
Type
tree
Lifespan
perennial
Height
45–75 ft
Spacing
20–25 ft apart
Light
sun, part shade
Soil moisture
moist, wet
Soil pH
acidic
Bloom
May, June
Bloom colors
yellow, brown, green
Wildlife value
songbirds, mammals, larval host
Caterpillar hosts
~117 butterfly & moth species
Landscape uses
specimen, rain garden
Native states
CT, IA, MA, ME, MI, MN, NH, NY, PA, VA, VT, WI, WV