Leaves are narrow and linear. Foliage is constricted above the base and is shed, leaving a relatively smooth twig. Flowers are monoecious. The fruit is a cone that is borne upright on the branches. Cone scales are shed individually with the seed, leaving a stick protruding above the branch.
Needles curve upward and outward.
Buds are not resinous. Stomatic areas are usually below. Slight stomatic areas often appear near the tip on the upper side of leaves of A. balsamea . A. Buds are not, or only slightly, resinous. Glossy, dark green needles densely cover the stem.