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
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