Abies fraseri She balsam (Pinaceae) Evergreen tree

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Abies fraseri
She balsam
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Abies fraseri plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - Virginia and West Virginia to North Carolina and Tennessee. It is a member of the Pinaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as She balsam. Some home gardeners know the variety as Pinus fraseri.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Abies fraseri
Common Name:  She balsam
Family:  Pinaceae
Author:  (Pursh.)Poir.

Known Hazards:  The oleoresin (Canada balsam) can cause dermatitis in some people[222].

Mature Height:  15   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Mountains, often forming forests of considerable extent at elevations of 1200 - 1800 metres[11, 82].

Edible Uses: The following uses are for the closely related A. balsamea. Since this species also has blisters of resin in the bark[81], the uses quite probably also apply here. Inner bark - cooked. It is usually dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[105, 177]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[183]. An aromatic resinous pitch is found in blisters in the bark[64]. When eaten raw it is delicious and chewy[101, 183]. An oleoresin from the pitch is used as a flavouring in sweets, baked goods, ice cream and drinks[183]. Tips of young shoots are used as a tea substitute[177, 183].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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