Balsam Fir, a common species of the Canadian boreal forests and certainly one of the most perfect Christmas trees.

With its aromatic, soft and flat needles, Baslam fir (Abies balsamea) is an evergreen tree that can be useful in a variety of ways to humans. Besides being an iconic tree of the Christmas season, the tree provides utility year-round. In the spring, Balsam fir tips can be made into a mildly resinous snack, edible raw or cooked, even steeped in cold water to make a refreshing conifer drink.

The bark itself hosts copious resinous blisters that can be 'popped' with a sharp object or twig, which then ooze resin. The resin has been used as an energetic fire-starter, ersatz glue-like adhesive and medicinally as well. In addition to this, the resin has a powerful aroma that is unique and very pleasant to the nose. Boughs of Balsam fir make an excellent bedding for an outdoor campsite as well as water-resistant roofing for those heavy rains.

In nature, Balsam fir is a shade-tolerant tree that grows in the understory of wooded areas, or bogs where the tree has constant access to water sources. The wood is extremely light and weak, making it an easy tree to chop for firewood. Mature specimens can grow to 20 meters or higher, sometimes reaching 25m or more. As well, this tree is known to grow on mountaintops and higher areas where competition with other trees is lessened.

Overall, Balsam fir is a very Canadian tree and can be found in most provinces from Alberta to Newfoundland. Although in my area it's relatively rare, a one hour drive north will find me in a sea of Balsam firs, spruces and pines typical of the Canadian north.

All images herein are my own original work, released under CC0 (Public domain) for everyone's use free of restrictions.