Abies balsamea Balsam fir (Pinaceae) Evergreen tree

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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].

Edible Uses: 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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