Other Common Names/Trade Names: None
Scientific Name: Abies balsamea
Best Characteristics for Identification: An overall lack of characteristics. No odor or taste. No resin canals. No visible parenchyma.
Uses: Framing lumber, pulp.
General Natural Range: North central Alberta east to Labrador and Newfoundland. Extends south into New York and the Lake States.
Identical or Nearly Identical Species: Western true firs
Other Species Easily Confused With: Eastern spruces, Northern white cedar, Eastern and western hemlock.
Means of Distinguishing Similar Species: Eastern spruces have scattered small resin canals. Balsam fir does not. Northern white cedar has a fragrant odor, and a slight bitter whereas balsam fir does not. Eastern Hemlock has coarse texture and an abrupt transition from earlywood to latewood whereas balsam fir has medium texture and a gradual transition.