Abies balsamea

The most widespread of the North American firs, balsam fir grows on mires and at the edges of drier land, often forming mixed forests with broadleaf trees, black and white spruce (Picea mariana and P. glauca), and tamarack (aka American larch, Larix laricina). The crushed needles give off a typical balsam fragrance. This aromatic fragrance and the regular conical shape contribute to the popularity of this species as a Christmas tree in its native Canada, in addition to which the dark green needles also remain long on the tree indoors.