BALSAM FIR
Abies balsamea

Height: 40-75'
Width: 15-25'
Hardiness Zone: 3
Exposure: sun or partial shade
Origin: North America, especially in northern Great Lakes region and eastward through upper elevations of northeastern states.

Description:

Balsam Fir is an attractive pyramidal evergreen with a symmetrical growth habit. The tree’s fragrant dark green needles measure ½ -1” long and are marked with two light lines on the lower surface. Balsam Fir’s trunk is gray and has raised resin-filled blisters. Balsam Fir is still popular for Christmas tree use in many northern areas.

Site and Cultural Requirements:

Balsam Fir prefers a rich, well drained soil and requires ample soil moisture. It grows best in cool climates; foliage becomes sparse in hot, dry conditions. It makes an attractive landscape plant in cool, moist regions, but is not recommended for landscape use in hotter zones.

Insect/Disease Issues:

Balsam twig aphid causes leaf distortion in some areas of the country but doesn’t threaten the tree.

Cultivars:

‘Nana’ – Dwarf Balsam Fir – grows only 1-2’ tall with a mounded, horizontally spreading habit. Good for rock gardens or specimen use.

 

 

We would like to thank the Landscape Plant Development Center and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for the botanical information and photos.

 

 

The Brenton Arboretum
Open 9:00 AM until Sunset
Closed Mondays, open holidays
Phone: (515)-992-4211
Email: info@thebrentonarboretum.org