Fir Facts

Winter break is almost here, and nothing reminds me of being home for the holidays more than the fresh scent of evergreen. Inspired, I decided to research the significance of balsam fir in the Adirondacks. No matter what holiday you celebrate (if any at all) here are some historical and scientific facts that everyone can appreciate about the balsam fir!

Balsam Fir (Photo credit: http://plants.usda.gov)

The balsam fir, a coniferous tree with flat needles, is characteristic of boreal forests. The tree’s shallow root system allows it to grow in wet soils often present in the boreal biome. In terms of its interactions with other wildlife, the balsam fir provides shelter for many animals such as deer, mice, red squirrels, and various songbirds. It also serves as a source of food for browsers such as moose, and its seeds are a tasty treat for mice, birds, and chipmunks.

Woodsmen sleeping on balsam beds (Photo credit: Adirondack Museum)

Humans have also made use of the balsam fir, dating back to Native American herbal remedies. They used the tree to treat illnesses such as cough, headache, sore throat, and even heart disease. Additionally, many woodsmen nicknamed the tree “mountain goose,” because sleeping on a bed of balsam fir was like sleeping on a bed made of feathers. Similarly, there is a tradition of creating soft, fragrant pillows out of balsam. The science community even once popularly used the resin from balsam firs to create microscope slides.Today, balsam firs are primarily used for pulp and paper making. However, what balsam firs are most well known for is their use as Christmas trees. So, if you see a balsam fir this holiday season decked out in lights and tinsel, know that its uses extend far beyond decoration!

Works Cited

http://www.adkmuseum.org/about_us/adirondack_journal/?id=54

http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2009/12/balsam-fir-an-adirondack-classic.html

http://www.adirondackvic.org/Trees-of-the-Adirondacks-Balsam-Fir-Abies-balsamea.html