Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) is a common northern Michigan tree that I seldom see with cones. However, two small Balsam Firs in our “yard” at The Cabin fruited this year. They are approximately 15 feet tall. Part of my problem finding cones is that they form in the upper branches and I do not climb trees. Another problem is the nature of Fir cones. Their scales are deciduous so complete cones do not fall to the ground but break into pieces. Small winged seeds disperse on the wind. This leaves a woody axis resembling a bare branch sticking straight up at a right angle to the branch.
While out walking the next day I found the distinctive scales on the trail. I was in a dense grove of a dozen trees but could not spot the fertile Fir. Now that I recognize the scales I hope to spot more fertile trees. Barnes and Wagner in Michigan Trees state “the woody cone axis persistent on uppermost branches in winter.” Maybe I will find more fertile trees this winter. In an earlier blog post I talked about how to identify Balsam Fir, and to distinguish it from Hemlock and Spruces.
Copyright 2019 by Donald Drife
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I’ve been spending some time in the north woods on the south shore of Lake Superior, introducing a new friend from England to the types of trees we have here. We found some piles cone scales on a stump and explained to him the curious nature of balsam fir cones and their relationship with red squirrels. You blog really did the job. T’wer it me, I’d add a photo of mature cones and mature cones oozing sap. But then you’d have to climb the tree. Nice job, eh?
Marty