Abies balsamea – Balsam Fir

A tree of Catskill mountaintops so it’s not surprising it needs a cool, moist spot in order to thrive. Can be planted in our valleys if you have a north-facing slope or other cool micro-climate. This is one of our most aromatic conifers and is favored as a Christmas tree for that reason. The needles are flattened and soft to the touch. This makes them nice for petting and smelling but also means they are not deer-resistant unlike the similar looking spruces whose sharp needles generally deter deer. Upright cones produce seeds that are eaten by chickadees, crossbills and other birds.