Balsam Fir

Balsam Fir Facts

• This magnificent product of botanical evolution is most frequently referrred to by the short common name of Balsam Fir in much of its range. Yet, it does have other general titles, as well. These include the terms Canadian balsam and eastern fir, among others.
• Scientists, however, perhaps know the beautiful flora by yet another label. They possibly know it more often by its technical moniker. Thankfully, that’s a relatively simple one for the layperson to pronounce. Its formal epithet is Abies balsamea.
• The gorgeous tree received that appellation due to the efforts of Carl Linnaeus. The highly esteemed Swedish zoologist accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He managed that scientifically noteworthy feat in 1768.
• Since that time, however, the plant’s gone through multiple renamings. Various researchers have reclassified it over the ensuing years. Some of the other formal titles it once held include Abies balsamifera and Abies hudsonia, to name just a few.
• Fortunately, the remarkable Balsam Fir continues to maintain a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant state further to appears to hold true across its entire range. The IUCN thus currently lists the botanical wonder as Least Concern.
• Two varieties exist, both of which play surprisingly important roles in the culture of the region to which they are native. That’s due to the fact that both forms of this marvel of Nature collectively serve as the most popular type of Christmas tree.
• Despite its stability in the wild, and its popularity in horticulture, it still faces the same potential threats to its existence as all other species on today. Most of these stem from the actions of man. These perils include habitat loss and looming climate change.

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Balsam Fir Physical Description

The stunning Balsam Fir almost instantly captivates those individuals encountering it, especially in the wild. Yet, the flora does so for more than just one reason. That’s because it’s not only lovely to behold, but the tree also boasts some respectable physical dimensions.

Depending on conditions, it develops as either a small or medium sized tree. Mature specimens range in height, usually due to variations in local environmental conditions. However, this typically runs from roughly 46 ft (14 m) to approximately 66 ft (20.1 m).

Exceptional specimens do sometimes occur, though. A few confirmed examples achieved measurements of 89 ft (27.1 m). Few individual plants of this remarkable evergreen reach such a great size, though. Envirinmental factors rarely favor such growth today.

The trunk generally grows in a primarily vertical direction, with little deviation. When young, this aspect presents a gray color and smooth texture. As it ages, though, this changes. Over time, the bark becomes darker, rougher, and often with deep fissures and cracks.

Typical of its kind, the leaves of the Balsam Fir develop as flat and needle-like in structure. This foliage has a mean length of 0.63 – 1.13 in (1.5 – 3 cm). It also shows a deep green shade in color. Each limb produces multiple stems, each with hundreds of leaves.

Yet, it’s the seed cones that frequently receive the most attention. These develop as erect, and measure roughly 1.5 – 3.25 in (3.8 – 8.3 cm) in length. It’s their color, though, that most catches the eye. Each displays a dark purple at first, that changes to brown with age.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Pinopsida
• Order: Pinales
• Family: Pinaceae
• Genus: Abies
• Species: A. balsamea

Balsam Fir Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The breathtaking and culturally important Balsam Fir evolved as native to a moderately limited section of the earth’s surface. The location of that zone of habitation isn’t much of a surprise, however. That’s because it developed as endemic to part of North America.

But, within the confines of that continent, the Gymnosperm only inhabits a very specific portion of it. The vast majority of its natural territory appears inside the national boundaries of Canada. There, it lives in most of the eastern and central regions of the nation.

From there, however, it spreads southward, although in smaller concentrations. Inside the United States, the flora mainly lives in the northeastern section. It’s seen from Maine to the Appalachian Mountains of west Virginia in the east, to as far west as Minnesota.

Fortunately, Nature blessed this species with a high degree of adaptability regarding its choice of habitat. The wonder thus appears in a comparatively wide range of ecosystems. This includes both mixed forests, with deciduous trees, as well as forests purely of fir trees.

It also tolerates a variety of soil types, and manages with a range of moisture levels. Altitudes also do not deter the intrepid flora from taking up residence. That’s true since the amazing plant resides anywhere from sea level to heights reaching all the way to the treeline.

The Balsam Fir also plays an important role in the wild, in addition to human culture. Its large seed cones disintegrate after laying on the ground for a time. While the wind disperses most, small mammals also consume some. Moose and deer also feed on the foliage.

Those same small creatures also help to disperse the seeds, via their droppings. Even under ideal conditons, though, only around half of all seeds remain viable. Once a tree does take root, barring outside interference, a typical lifepsan equals roughly 200 years.

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