CHRISTMAS TREE: BALSAM FIR

The Balsam fir name is the anglicized version of its scientific name: balsamea.  The scientific name was given because the tree itself has been well known for many centuries.  It has a great number of balsam-like, resinous blisters in its bark.  The Balsam fir grows naturally in Canada, south to Pennsylvania. 

It's characteristics are ideally suited to Christmas tree decorating:

Here are 2 pictures of the Balsam Fir.  The photo on the left is a farm raised Balsam Fir tree.  The photo on the right is a naturally occurring Balsam Fir in Canada.

The natural maximum height range of the Balsam tree is 40-60 feet, with an age limit of approximately 185 years.  Here's a close up of the frond.  Note that the broadly reaching fronds create large pockets, perfect for larger ornaments.  Tempting though it may be, the Balsam tree does not have great support strength in its lower branches compared to that of other trees.  Most people have great success with light--usually glass--Christmas tree ornaments of medium to small sizes.