Balsam fir (Abies balsama)

This tree can be found along the Hogback mountin trail in the Frye Mountain state game management area. The Balsam Fir grows to 60-70 feet high and 12-20 inches in diameter. Young trees have horizontal branches and are almost perfectly symmetrical. The bark on young trees is pale, grey and smooth, while the bark on older trees is much rougher and contains less resin. Leaves are about an inch long and are a shiny dark green. I chose to include this tree as it was overwhelmingly prevelant throughout these areas. This tree also has a very distinct aroma that I particularly enjoy.