Abies balsamea – Balsam Fir

Balsam fir. A medium or large evergreen tree from the Northern parts of N.America. Has very resinous winter buds. Grows 4 m (13 ft) in 10 years. The shoot tips are used to make a tea, and a sweet gummy exudation from the trunk is edible. Resin from the buds is used medicinally and in scientific laboratories. Timber is valued for construction etc. Likes an acid site in sun or part shade; hardy to -35°C. Stratification: CS4. Number of seeds: 23.