Overview & Description

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) is a North American native evergreen conifer prized for its dark, rich green, flat needles and uniform pyramidal shape. The foliage is strongly scented, releasing a classic fir fragrance when brushed or crushed. Young trees feature smooth, grey bark with distinctive resin blisters, which matures to a roughly fissured texture with age. This iconic species is the most common evergreen used as Christmas trees and in fresh wreaths.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a dense, narrow, pyramidal growth habit with a strong central leader. It is a slow to moderate-growing tree, typically reaching a mature size of about 50 – 60 feet in height with a spread of 16 – 26 feet.

Additional Notes

Cones are upright, cylindrical, and purplish-brown. Hardy to Zone 2, it prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade. An outstanding choice for specimen plantings, windbreaks, naturalized areas, Christmas tree plantations, and fragrance gardens where classic pyramidal form, rich green needles, and strong balsam scent are desired.