balsam fir Pinaceae Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.   symbol: ABBA
	Leaf: Flattened needles, 3/4 inch long, blunt or notched at end, may be shorter and sharper pointed on upper branches, shiny dark green above and silvery-blue below. Flower: Monoecious; males occur on undersides of leaf axils, purple to yellow-brown; females occur in upper crown, are purple and inconspicuous. Fruit: Resinous cones are upright, 2 to 3 1/2 inches long, oblong to cylindrical, green with purple tinge, with bracts shorter than the scales; scales are deciduous with seed dispersal in late summer. Twig: Yellow-green, later turning gray; buds are reddish brown and resin covered; leaf scars are flat and rounded. Bark: Shiny silvery gray-brown, smooth except for numerous, raised resin blisters; largest stems may become a bit scaly. Form: Balsam fir is a small to medium sized tree reaching 80 feet tall with a very narrow, spire-like crown.
	USDAFS Silvics of North America - USDAFS Additional Silvics - Landowner Factsheet - USDA Plants Database Abies balsamea is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting balsam fir (opens a new window).