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- Fir, Balsam
Fir, Balsam
Item Details
Latin Name: Abies balsamea
The Balsam Fir is an extremely popular choice for both personal and commercial Christmas tree production. It has short shiny soft green needles. It's a favorite for wreath makers, who love to use the fragrant green boughs. The cones measure 2-4" in length. Pyramidal in shape, this symmetrical fir tree is quite ornamental. The Balsam Fir is also quite shade tolerant.
Provides food for deer, moose, American red squirrels, crossbills and chickadees.
Provides shelter for moose, snowshoe hares, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse and other small mammals and songbirds. Timber wolves, pine marten, fisher, lynx, and bobcat are associated with the type of woodland in which the Balsam Fir grows. The needles are eaten by some lepidopteran caterpillars.
Zones: 3-5
Soil Type: Loamy & Sandy Soils
Site Selection: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Mature Height & Width: 50-70' and 20-25' Spread.
Growth Rate: Slow - 8-12" per year once established.
Moisture Requirements: Average
Transplant Size: 1-2'
Seedling Size: 6-12"
USDA NRCS Species Information