Balsam Fir

TREES OF THE BOREAL FOREST
Common Name: Balsam Fir
Scientific Name: Abies balsamea
Height:
Diameter:
12-18 meters
30-50 centimetres
Distinguishing feature: Perfect Christmas tree shape; bark is gray with raised
resin blisters.
Historical-
Native people used the wood to
make canoe paddles. The resin
was used to caulk the seams in
birch bark canoes.
Commercial-Pulpwood, lumber and Christmas
trees. Wreaths and balsam pillows
are bought for their aromatic foliage.
Resin is marketed as Canada
balsam and is used for microscopic
slides and optical cement.
Natural-
Resin in the seed coats may deter
mice and squirrels from eating
them. Deer and moose browse the
foliage in winter. Resin protects the
tree from invading insects and
disease by flowing and hardening
over any breaks in the bark.
Medicinal-
The Cree used the clear fragrant
resin to treat insect bites, scabies,
infections and skin sores.
©Nicole Linfoot