Balsam fir
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameAbies balsamea
Trade / common nameBalsam fir
FamilyPinaceae
RegionNorth America
Distribution
In Canada, from Newfoundland and Labrador west to northeast Alberta, then south and east to southern Manitoba. In the U.S., the species can be found in Minnesota, northeast Iowa, central Wisconsin, central Michigan, southern Ontario, New York, central Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maine. This fir is also widely grown in Great Britain.
Uses
Balusters, Baskets, Blinds, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Casks, Chemical derivatives, Construction, Cooperages, Food containers, Interior construction, Ironing boards, Light construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Moldings, Packing cases, Pallets, Paneling, Particleboard, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Shipbuilding, Shutters, Stairworks, Stringers, Veneer, Windows
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Projects & Inspiration
Explore possible applications, then tell Woodley what you are interested in making.
Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Balusters, Baskets, Blinds, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Casks, Chemical derivatives, Construction, Cooperages, Food containers, Interior construction, Ironing boards, Light construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Moldings, Packing cases, Pallets, Paneling, Particleboard, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Shipbuilding, Shutters, Stairworks, Stringers, Veneer, Windows
What would you like to make?
Tell Woodley what you have in mind. Woodley can help explore whether Balsam fir is suitable and guide the next steps.
Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Brown
Yellow
Red
Green/grey
Orange
Tan
White to cream
Pale brown
Yellowish tan
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Greenish to greyish
Latewood area of the growth ring may have a lavender tinge.
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Yellow
Brown
Red
Color not distinct from heartwood
White to yellow
Often contains numerous, small knots
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Balusters, Baskets, Blinds, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Casks, Chemical derivatives, Construction, Cooperages, Food containers, Interior construction, Ironing boards, Light construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Moldings, Packing cases, Pallets, Paneling, Particleboard, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Shipbuilding, Shutters, Stairworks, Stringers, Veneer, Windows
Product Sources
Timber coming from Balsam fir is marketed with the spruces (Picea) in the Spruce-Pine-Fir grade.
Apart from timber, Balsam fir is also the source of many secondary products. The aromatic foliage is used in Christmas trees, wreaths, and balsam pillows. Canada balsam, an aromatic oleoresin produced from swelling or resin blisters in the bark, is used for mounting specimens for microscopes and for optical cement. Foliage of Balsam fir trees are also fodder for deer and moose in the winter season.
Full Technical Species Profile
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Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.