The Abies balsamea ( Balsam Fir ) is popular for its use as a Christmas Tree because of its natural cone shaped growth and long lasting needles post cutting. Balsam fir is highly cultivated in cold climates for this purpose.
The Abies balsamea is one of the most cold hardy trees in the world, coping easily with temperatures below -45°C! Scientists have even immersed samples of this tree into liquid nitrogen that has temperatures of -196°C and have seen no obvious problems caused. It is native to North America & Canada.
Balsam Fir is also known for its use as a bonsai specimen. Other common names for the Abies balsamea are Canadian Balsam, Blister Fir & Balm of Gilead Fir.
The Balsam fir is the provincial tree of New Brunswick, Canada. The resin (sap) has been traditionally used for several purposes including as glue, an incense and as a remedy for the common cold.
Growth
Abies balsamea averages at approximately 12-22 metres tall but stays fairly slender for its height averaging a spread lower down of 4.5-6 metres. It keeps its conical shape naturally and needles are dark green and short at 1.5-3 cm’s long. The needles are shorter and thicker as they get higher on the tree, this may be due to lower, older growth being lower on the tree and the new, more immature growth being higher.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Pinaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold Climate, Cold Temperate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-45 to 27°C / -49 to 80°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist well draining soil. Does not like clay soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Full Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 25 metres (82 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 4-6 metres (13-20 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen – Slow Growing
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated – Abies balsamea are monoecious (both male & female flowers/cones are separate but found on the same plant)
MATURITY:
20 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
42-76%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification for 2-3 months, post sowing germination 2-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
65
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Fir needles can be used to make tea.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT ABIES BALSAMEA (Balsam Fir)
The Balsam Fir is native to east and central Canada and as far south as Virginia in the United States.
The Balsam Firs provide food for Moose, Red Squirrels and Crossbills and shelter for Snowshoe Hares, White-Tailed Deer and Songbirds.
In Canada and the United States, the Balsam Firs are popular Christmas Trees while the Native Americans use the resin/sap and bark for a number of medicinal remedies.
