This coniferous tree has a smooth greyish trunk with resin blisters and spreading branches that form a narrow conical habit. It has glossy dark green needle-like leaves arranged in a 'v' pattern and the male and female cones appear during spring.

Hardiness zones 3 to 9

Abies balsameais naturally found in North America from central and eastern Canada to north-eastern USA growing on mountain slopes and in valleys to an altitude of 1800m (5600ft) where it grows in a dwarf form.

It prefers am open sunny position and grows in well drained to swampy organic rich soils that are tending acidic with a pH 5-7 and is frost, salt spray tolerant but drought tender.

The Balsam Fir is grown for its foliage and habit. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a specimen tree and is suitable for mountainous and coastal regions. It establishes in 5-7 years and is moderately long lived, up to 150 years. It is also grown commercially for wood pulp as the timber is soft and brittle. ID 2814

Note:
This tree has shallow root system and the lower branches can take root producing new trees. Care should be taken when planting to allow ample space as it matures.

Abies(AH-bee-ays) balsamea (bawl-sum-AY-ah)

Pinaceae(py-NAY-see-ee)
Larches, spruces, pines, firs, hemlocks and cedars