Foliage (Needles) of a Balsam Fir Tree in Maine

In Albums: trees plants

A low branch of a balsam fir tree, showing numerous thin needles, coming off branches in a neatly branching, flat arrangement, with leaf litter visible on the forest floor below

Aug 13th, 2003, by Alex Zorach

This photo shows the characteristic foliage of a balsam fir, Abies balsamea. This fir is growing in Georgetown, Maine, on the coast, very close to the southernmost limit of this tree's native range on the east coast. Balsam firs tend to grow in colder areas, and the coast moderates the climate so as to favor other trees.

Balsam fir is a fast-growing tree, and tends not to get very large. Its foliage has a somewhat flimsy and delicate appearance and feel to it, much like its wood, which is light and weak.