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Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea): Fragrant Christmas Tree Species

Overview

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is a medium-sized evergreen conifer native to northeastern North America. It is a popular Christmas tree due to its symmetrical shape, dark green needles, and wonderful fragrance.

Botanical Details

Family:	Pinaceae (py-NAY-see-ee)
Genus:	Abies (A-bees)
Species:	balsamea (bal-SAM-ee-uh)

Ecology and Uses

Important timber and pulp species. Resin (Canada balsam) used in microscopy and traditional medicine. Provides wildlife habitat. Prefers cool, moist, acidic soils. Slow-growing but long-lived.

Herbs: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Aromatic Evergreen Herb for Kitchen and Garden; Catnip (Nepeta cataria): The Feline Favorite Herb; Borage (Borago officinalis): Starflower for Bees and Cuisine; Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): Healing Herb and Dynamic Accumulator; Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): Spring Ephemeral with Red Sap; Lovage (Levisticum officinale): Towering Celery-Flavored Herb; Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina): Native Nitrogen-Fixer with Fern-Like Foliage; Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium): Delicate Anise-Flavored Herb for Spring; Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Ancient Spice and Medicinal Legume; Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Endangered Native Medicinal Herb of Eastern Forests

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