Taxonomy
Clade | gymnosperm |
Family | Pinaceae |
Genus | Abies |
Species | balsamea |
Common Name | balsam fir |
iTree Code | ABBA |
Plant Form
Form | Tree: pyramidal crown |
Height | 70 feet |
Spread | 25 feet |
Deciduous | Yes |
Identification Description
Foliage | green upper, with gray/white stomatal lines under; ~1" long, flat; attached to twig with a "suction cup" like base |
Leaf Type
|
Needle |
Needles | 1 |
Bark | gray/green, resin blisters typically cover the trunk; breaking into irregular plates with age |
Bud | small, ovoid, resinous |
Twig | smooth with small gray hairs |
Pollen Cone | yellow, beneath needles, appearance similar to catkins; male and female on same tree (monoecious) |
Seed Cone | purple, then gray/brown; upright on the branch; deciduous cone scales, leaving a persist peg on the branch |
Fall Color | green |
Site Characteristics
USDA Zones
|
pH Levels | Salt Tolerance |
Min | 2a |
Min | 4.0 |
Soil | Intolerant |
Max | 5a |
Max | 6.5 |
Spray | Intolerant |
Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Allelopathy |
Tolerant |
Intolerant |
Unknown |
Species Status
Nebraska Native |
|
U.S. Native |
|
Region of Origin | United States, Canada |
More Information | Visit External Site |