PlantFiles: Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea

Have not seen this tree age yet, but in youth its very attractive if grown in full sun. Despite the heat, seems to do alright as far south as central New Jersey, at least in youth.

This is a shade tolerant tree that can survives where spruces wil have trouble but don't plant it near other trees as its top will become misshaped. Certain species of warblers seem to love it during their spring migration north. I have three trees, dug up north from a relative's property and it appear that it is rare in commerical because a lot of sources has negativity about its cultivity, especially short life spans. To tell the difference between this tree and spruces, it have a smooth bark with resin scars. Roots appear to be shallow, growing in sandy soil making it a bit difficult to mow. Its zone hardiness is to 2, as it is one of a few trees that goes to the arctic circle.
Update: I have seen a cool form in nature - at Scenic State Park on a trail called Chase Point there is one form that have rooted as a lower branch some time ago and have now totally separated from its parent tree and become something of a bush with no central leader.

A steeple shaped evergreen tree with up to 1 1/2" long and whitened beneath. Most needles are in flattened sprays and have a broad circular base.

Cones are 1" to 3" long and fall apart upon ripening in late Autumn, leaving erect central cores.

These trees may grow as a matlike plant at the timberline.

Bark is rather smooth with resin blisters.

The resin was often sold in stores as a confection before the invention of chicle chewing gum, and the resinous knots were often used as torches.

This tree can reach a height of up to 75'. It's a popular Christmas tree, as well. Prefers cooler regions. The needles are fairly short and flat. The root systems are typically shallow. Cones are cylindrical shaped.