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Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

[ Trees > Conifers > Firs . . . ]      Forest Type: Boreal Forest

Range

Growing in northeastern forests; needles flattened, in 2 rows, often curving upwards, not attached to pegs; young bark gray and smooth, with resinous blisters; cones 2-4 inches long.

by Michael Kuo

Habitat: In pure stands in swamps, but usually mixed when on higher ground; requires abundant moisture.

Stature: 40-60 feet high; to 1.5 feet in diameter; narrowly pyramid-shaped.

Needles: 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches long; dark green; vaguely grooved; in two rows; attached directly to branches, without pegs.

Bark: Thin; gray; smooth but interrupted by frequent resin blisters, especially on young trees; eventually somewhat scaly, thicker, and reddish brown.

Cones: 2-4 inches long; dark purple.

Source: Preston, R. J. (1989). North American Trees. Ames: Iowa State UP.

Frequent Mushroom Associates:

Gyromitra esculenta, Leccinum holopus var. americanum, species of Cortinarius, Amanita, and many others.

Further Online Information:

Balsam Fir at Iowa State
Balsam Fir at eNature

 		 

Abies balsamea

Abies balsamea

Abies balsamea



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Cite this page as:

Kuo, M. (2005, January). Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea). Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/trees/abies_balsamea.html