Buds are resinous. Leaves of the middle rank spread outward and somewhat upward with a few stomatic lines near the apex. A medium size tree, the balsam fir is usually not over 75 feet in height and has a pyramidal form with spreading, whorled branches. Bark is smooth on young trees and branches. The bark is very resinous when punctured and buds are resinous as well.
Foliage is soft and has a pleasant, evergreen odor.
Leaves of the middle rank spread outward and somewhat upward with a few stomatic lines near the apex. The scales and seed are shed, leaving only the central stem during the winter. These trees are occasionally planted in Ohio for ornamental purposes and as Christmas trees and windbreaks. It is restricted in planting to the northern section of Ohio due to its heat intolerance. Balsam fir is quite sensitive to soil requirements.