Balsam Firs are common in the upper half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and throughout the Upper Peninsula.  They can be found in Cedar swamps along with Black Spruce, but also at higher elevations in mixed hardwood and conifer forests.

They are commonly used as Christmas Trees because they hold their needles well, and because they are one of the most aromatic evergreen species.  Oils and resins from Balsams Fir trees have many applications in science, wood preservation and pest control.

Balsam Fir are a good addition to include in a screen of mixed evergreens, but hot, dry, windswept areas are best avoided.  Great in natural areas, but other similar looking evergreens may be better suited in urban or dense suburban areas.

They provide good winter shelter for many animals.  The seeds of Balsam Fir provide food for crossbills and chickadees.