Balsam fir has blisters on the stem that yields a very fragrant resin that has been used to seal microscope slides and to produce turpentine. It has dark green needles that tend to curve upward and point toward the tip of the branch. The needles have pronounced white lines beneath. Frasier fir has excellent needle retention and is fragrant, those less so than Balsam fir. Native to high mountains in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.
Needles occur in clusters at end of short spur shoots.
The needles are deciduous. The cone is upright, subterminal and has persistent scales. Not used as a Christmas tree. Evergreen, with alternate needles that have a short petiole. The needles are flat and leave a small round raised scar when they are removed.