Québec Trees in the Winter

Introduction: The Fir - Our Christmas Tree

The fir is tall, strong, straight, reliable, simple, patient, tolerant, generous,... and humble. It's no wonder then that we choose it to play a role in the most lively times of our year: its presence in our homes at Christmas is a promise of joy.

We know it under a variety of names--Canada balsam, balsam fir, or Eastern fir--and it ranges from the foothills of the Rockies to Newfoundland. Fairly young firs have many resin canals in their bark containing what is called fir gum.

Fir gum has been harvested for centuries and was exported to Europe where, known as baume du Canada (balsam of fir), it had many uses. When applied to a wound, it promotes rapid (sometimes too rapid) healing. It was also used as a cement for eyeglasses.

The main use of fir today, however, is as lumber and for pulp. But at midnight on December 25 each year, this modest tree lives an hour of glory.

(Adapted from André Croteau's Guide de la forêt québécoise, saison par saison, Éditions de l'Homme.)