Balsam fir Abies balsamea) - a representative of the Pine family (lat. Pinaceae). Evergreen coniferous tree, common in many countries. Decorative dwarf varieties were bred, they are used in landscape design.
The plant tolerates shade well, but develops faster in the sun. Requires fertile soil, sufficient moisture.
Key Representative Description
Balsam fir in natural conditions grows up to 25 meters in height.
The trunk of an adult tree reaches 80 cm in diameter. The bark is smooth, without cracks, light brown.
The crown has the shape of a regular cone. The branches are thin, frequent, hanging almost to the ground.
The needles are arranged in even rows with clear partings. The needles are quite soft, reach 15–25 mm in length, have a blunt or slightly recessed ending.
Balsamic fir trees have a rich specific smell.
Fruits are oval-shaped cones. At first, bluish-violet (see photo). Some varieties produce purple fruits. Over time, the cones become brown. They are located in the upper part of the tree, closer to the crown, sit upright. Ripen in the first year, in the fall they release large seeds with wings.
Fir takes root close to the surface of the earth, almost does not bury them in soil.
It grows slowly: in 10-15 years it can reach only 1-1.5 m.
In natural conditions, the tree lives for a long time - more than 200-300 years.
Spread
Balsam fir grows in northern and middle latitudes with a cool climate. It forms forests, is well established in existing plantings.
Varieties
Dwarf varieties are intended for planting in parks, gardens, squares, and are used in landscape design. The most common:
- Nana
- Piccolo;
- Korean diamond.
For the development of plants requires proper care.
Variety Nana (Nana)
The dwarf shrub grows to 0.5–1 m in height, the crown girth can reach 2 m. The needles are bright green, densely located.
The shape of the tree is spherical, roundly flattened (see photo).
Fruits - cones up to 10 cm in length, up to 2 cm in diameter. They differ in a brownish-purple hue. Located on the top of the plant, they mature by the end of autumn.
To plant fir, you need to purchase a seedling. It is sold in pots with prolonged fertilizer - moving to a new place, further rehabilitation are quick and painless for the plant.
Transplantation can be carried out from March to November in any climatic conditions.. After this, fir needs care: thorough watering, fertilizer in late spring or early summer.
It is used to decorate urban areas, private plots, roadsides, rivers.
It goes well with low plants. Fir can be planted in groups or one bush. The main rule is to avoid open space, where a strong wind can damage the tree.
Fir is suitable for growing in containers, pots. In artificial conditions, the plant develops slowly. Growth - about 30 cm in 10 years. Transplantation is performed as the root system grows. An adult tree does not need care, it is enough to water 2 times a week.
Korean diamond
This variety is compact, the height of the plant does not exceed 0.5 m. The shape of the crown is spherical, often flattened. Short stature causes the cultivation of seedlings in containers. On the street, the plant develops well in the shade and partial shade.
Annual growth is about 3-4 cm in 1 year. By the age of 10 it grows up to 30–40 cm. The needles have a delicate aroma, soft to the touch.
The Korean diamond is planted singly or in groups in coniferous parks, alleys and landscape compositions.
Transplantation is carried out in spring and summer. In winter, the plant is covered with burlap to prevent freezing. An adult tree is unpretentious, does not require special attention.
Piccolo
Dwarf, up to 50 cm in height. Crohn round, needles saturated blue-green hue. The tips of the shoots are light green. Needles are located radially.
The trunk of the tree with soft even bark, there are a lot of balsamic nodules on it - these are the holes from which the resin, resin, and internal juices stand out.
Cones are oval-cylindrical. The kidneys are spherical, ovoid.
Slightly bent soft needles are shorter than in other varieties.
Landing
Growing from a seed is a long, unreliable process. It is better to purchase ready-made seedlings in a pot.
Before planting, it is necessary to prepare the soil. It should include:
- leafy soil or humus (3 parts);
- clay (2 parts);
- sand and peat (1 part each).
Planting is carried out in holes up to 80 cm deep (depending on the size of the tree, its root system). The neck of the trunk is left above the ground.
If the soil is heavy, a drainage layer of gravel or broken brick is poured onto the bottom of the pit, and a nitroammophoska is laid on top of it.
It is recommended to plant ready seedlings from mid-April to the end of September. You should take trees that are at least 5 years old. Distance between individuals:
- in dense soils - not less than 2.5 m;
- in medium - up to 3.5 m;
- in alley compositions - 4–5 m.
Care
Balsam firs tolerate frosts and withstand thick snow cover. Care is only necessary for young individuals, they need to be sheltered for the winter. The plant loves water without excess.
Adult trees are easier to care for. Watering of 15–20 l is required under 1 plant, sprinkling 2-3 times a week. A few years after engraftment, fir is fed with fertilizers.
Proper care promotes rapid growth.
The shape of the crown can be adjusted by cutting off unnecessary branches and growths to the period of sap flow.
Plant application
Fir aroma of wood oils helps to improve respiratory activity, relax the body.
Balsamic extract has a disinfecting effect, accelerates wound healing, anesthetizes, eliminates spasms. It is used for prophylaxis, accompanying treatment of respiratory tract infections, some skin defects.
Wood - high-quality raw materials for the production of paper, food packaging.