Scientific name: Abies balsamea
Possible uses: antiseptic, colds, asthma
Part of plant used: needles (scent), bark, leaf
Description: Evergreen conifers that thrive in moist or mountainous habitats. About 40 species, native to the north temperature zone. This symbol of the North Woods is valued for its fragrance. The shiny dark green needles, under 1 in. long, spread on both sides of the twigs like the pages of an open book. Seedlings grow into perfect Christmas trees' older specimens develop irregular shapes. Can reach 40-60 ft. tall. 'Nana' is a dwarf selection that slowly forms a compact sphere. Zone 3.
How to grow: Full or part sun. Needs constant soil moisture. Grows best where summers are cool and humid. Mulch generously and water regularly. In the South or Midwest, plant A. fraseri, the southern balsam fir. It looks similar and is almost as fragrant, but it is more tolerant of warm, dry summers.
Sources
Refer back to the Sources post to see the exact books that I used!
Taylor's Guide in Herbs
No comments:
Post a Comment