By Jennifer Devine
Cover photo of “Gert” next to a small balsam fir tree by Christine Stapleton.
Balsam fir (Abies balsamea), also known as Balm-of-Gilead or silver pine, is a cold-loving fir tree found above the Climatic Tension Zone (CTZ). Benzie, Manistee, Mason, Lake and Wexford counties all fall within the Hardwood-Conifer Forest, which follows the CTZ. This boundary runs east-west, splitting the Lower Peninsula in half, heading north, mixing into the boreal forest “typically comprised of coniferous tree species such as pine, spruce and fir with some broadleaf species such as poplar and birch” , which dominates Benzie and counties northward.
Not quite sure what “forest” you’re in? No worries! Balsam fir is most often found with aspen (Populus grandidentata & P. tremuloides), jack pine (Pinus banksiana), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), black spruce (Picea mariana), white spruce (Picea glauca) … I’m not just listing random trees. “Blister fir” is found most often in mixed stands, areas with a variety of trees, so chances are good that a balsam fir is close by. They love our moist, cool, well-draining, acidic northern soil and thrive in full to partial shade.
Identifiable features include 1-inch dark, glossy, flat green needles which are not sharp and grow individually on featureless twigs; smooth, gray bark that becomes rough, brown and scaly with age; a trunk with blisters of resin; upward-growing 4- to 6-inch purplish cones that turn gray-brown when mature; and a conical or steeple-like figure, making it a popular choice for the holidays. They can reach heights of 90 feet and thrive up to 200 years, according to the USDA.
“Silver pine” treats our fauna to weather cover, dens, shelters, hiding spots in the dense foliage and breeding habitats for birds such as evening grosbeaks and downy woodpeckers. The bark, seeds, needles and buds are all food sources for grouse, martens, moose, deer and other mammals, while chipped up pieces and the sweet forest smell of balsam fir act as moth, insect and mouse deterrent. It’s a natural repellent you can place around the home.
Landscapers and homeowners love using this fir for living privacy fencing and windbreaks. The lightweight, semi-soft wood is ideal in light-frame construction and anything not requiring a sturdy, strong structure such as paneling and plywood. The resin from this tree was once used to mount thin specimens onto microscope slides. It’s also useful to stop bleeding and seal a wound. When used on kindling, fir’s resin is almost guaranteed to start a fire.
You can use dried 15-inch twigs, with the bark removed, as a weather stick. Many people, including a friend in the Upper Peninsula, have these mounted on the sides of their homes by their front doors or kitchen windows. While it doesn’t predict weather, balsam fir is a “reaction” or “reactive” wood, meaning they react to the humidity in the air around them. When curled upward, the twigs portend good weather and, when bent toward the ground, they’re a sign of rain and bad weather. By removing the bark, the twig soaks up more water and also dries out faster. The only way this weather wand works, however, is if you install it the right way! The side of the branch that was facing the ground naturally in the wild must face upward, toward the sky, when mounted.
DIY these two crafts or give as gifts.
- Place chopped, dried balsam needles and dried rosemary leaves tossed with a small amount of pine essential oil in small muslin bags tied off with holiday ribbon for cute drawer sachets.
- Make a small 4×4 sleep pillow filling it with dried chopped balsam twigs and needles. The benefits of these small pillows above or by your head when sleeping are, headache relief, easier breathing, restful sleep and the stimulation of blood circulation according to com. Add some companion herbs like lavender to promote relaxation, slow your mind and reduce anxiety.
Happy Holidays!
Jennifer Devine has a passion for writing and plants. Living in cities and homesteading off grid has offered her family a myriad of experiences, memories and adventures as they utilize Michigan’s natural resources in their crafts, cooking and all-around lives.
