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Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.
Pinaceae

Leaves: flat, needle-like, 2-3 cm in length, rounded or notched at tip. Dark, shiny green on top, whitish on bottom. Usually appear two-ranked.

Cones: 5-10 cm in length, oblong-shaped, dark purple, resinous cone with fan-shaped scales with short, pointed bracts. After maturing in September, cones disintegrate, leaving an erect central stock.

Bark: smooth, pale grey on young stalks with numerous resin blisters. Somewhat roughened, scaly red-brown on mature trees. Very old trunks have small irregular plates with few or no resin blisters.

General: Balsam fir is the most common species in Newfoundland. Grows best on moist well-drained soils in pure or mixed stands. Ranges in height from 15-21 m and 30-50 cm in diameter. Wood is used extensively for pulp and lumber. Favorite Newfoundland Christmas tree. Species has a history of insect attacks from insects such as Spruce Budworm, Hemlock Looper, and Balsam Wooly Aphid.

Source: Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Natural Resources