Balsam fir Abies balsamea
Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Boreal and north-eastern North America. It grows 12–20 m (39–66 ft) tall and 4–7 m (13–23 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Balsam fir in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Balsam fir at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Boreal and north-eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Balsam fir toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Balsam fir
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Balsam fir
- How far apart should I plant Balsam fir?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–7 m (13–23 ft).
- Does Balsam fir need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Balsam fir need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Balsam fir?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- Is Balsam fir poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Balsam fir?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Balsam fir. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- The classic fragrant Christmas tree; resin blisters on the bark gave “Canada balsam”. Struggles in hot summers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis