genus Abies balsamea or balsam fir is a North American fir , is a prominent species in the boreal forest , where it often forge encompassing pure stall or commixture with black spruce , white spruce , and paper birch . This tree is unremarkably used as a Christmas tree due to its pleasant fragrance and aesthetic appeal .
Balsam Fir is found across a wide area in Canada , from Newfoundland and Labrador Dame Rebecca West to central Manitoba , and extends south into the northeastern United States , including part of Maine , Vermont , New Hampshire , New York , Michigan , Minnesota , and even into the mountains of West Virginia and Tennessee .
Balsam Fir can be find at alter elevations . It ’s vulgar in lowland areas but also rise into subalpine and alpine zones , especially in the northeastern U.S. where it can be seen at higher altitudes in the Appalachian Mountains . In the transition zones between boreal and temperate woods , it ’s rule in mixed stands with both deciduous trees like maples and birch tree , and other coniferous tree .
On fair , Balsam Fir grows to about 40 to 80 foot ( 12 to 24 meter ) tall in its natural home ground . However , in optimal conditions , it can arrive at up to 90 feet ( 27 time ) . The trunk diam can tramp from 1 to 2 feet ( 30 to 60 centimetre ) in matured trees , although it ’s generally less in trees grow for commercial-grade Christmas tree production where little size of it are preferred .
young trees tend to be more upright and narrow-minded , explicate a more pronounced pyramidal shape . Balsam Fir is believe to have a restrained growth rate . Under ideal weather , it can maturate about 12 to 24 inch ( 30 to 60 cm ) per year when young . However , increment slows down as the tree diagram matures . In make out woodland or Christmas tree farm , growing rates can be determine by pruning , fertilization , and other silvicultural practices .
Needles are prostrate , easygoing , and have a glossy gloomy unripe top with two white bands on the undersurface . The needle become short and thick the higher they are on the tree diagram . They are about 1 inch long ( 2 - 2.5 cm ) and are attached in a volute around the twig but twisted to appear in two opposite row . Needles are round at the tip or slightly notched . The barque is thin , legato , and gray when young , becoming rougher and chase with historic period . It can have blisters filled with a fragrant resin .
Cones are upright , cylindric , and pretty elongated , measure out 2 - 4 inches ( 5 - 10 cm ) long . They are unique among firs in that they decay at maturity to release fly seeds , result only the central spike on the tree . Initially green , maturing to brown .
Balsam Fir can survive for about 150 to 200 old age in natural condition . Trees used for Christmas are typically reap when they are much younger , between 6 to 12 years old , when they reach a suitable size and soma for holiday palm .
Balsam Fir is a pioneer species in natural succession after forest disturbances but can also persist as a climax species , especially in cooler , moist environments where it can shadow out other species . It render shelter and food for legion wildlife species , including nesting sites for raspberry , winter browse for deer , and habitat for small mammals .
Varieties
Habitat & Growing Condition
Practical Uses of Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir Pests & Diseases
disease
Pests
