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Abies balsamea Balsam fir Evergreen tree (1 Page of 5) The Abies balsamea plant species is found in Northeastern N. America - Newfoundland to Virginia, west to Alberta, Michegan and Ohio. It is a member of the Pinaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Balsam fir. Some home gardeners know the variety as Pinus balsamea. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Abies balsamea Common Name: Balsam fir Family: Pinaceae Author: (L.)Mill. Known Hazards: The oleoresin (Canada balsam) can cause dermatitis in some people[222]. Mature Height: 15 Mature Width: 5 Habitat: Low swampy grounds where it is often the major component of forests[82]. Also found on well-drained hillsides[82].
Propagation Notes: Seed - sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March[78]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[78]. Stratification is said to produce a more even germination so it is probably best to sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[80, 113]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[113]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Alternatively, if you have sufficient seed, it is possible to sow in an outdoor seedbed. One report says that it is best to grow the seedlings on in the shade at a density of about 550 plants per square metre[78] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[80].
Trees often self-layer in the wild[226], so this might be a eans of increasing named varieties in cultivation[K].
For further Abies balsamea gardening information click on one of the blue links below 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'. View their bibliography

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