What Is a Balsam Tree?
The balsam tree, also called the balsam fir, is a an evergreen tree native to the northern United States and Canada. It is considered a small to medium size tree, growing up to 80 feet tall with a narrow crown. Does this Spark an idea?
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Classification
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The balsam tree's scientific name is Abies balsamea. It belongs to the Pinaceae family.
Needles
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Balsam tree needles are approximately 3/4 inch long and are a gray blue underneath and dark shiny green on top. The shape of the needle's ends range from notched to blunt, and needles near the tree's top may be smaller and more pointed.
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Cones
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The cones of the balsam tree are two to three and a half inches long and grow upright. Cones are a purple tinged green, and the cones' scales have bracts (a modified leaf) under them. Seeds are released in late summer.
Twigs and Bark
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Balsam tree twigs are yellow green and turn gray with age. They show leaf scars that are round and flat, and have red-brown buds.
Balsam trees have smooth grayish brown bark with resin-filled blisters. Larger branches may become scaly.
Function
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Balsam trees are used to make pulpwood and Canada balsam oil and are also used as Christmas trees.
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