Balsam Fir
Ojibwe Name:
zhingob
Scientific Name:
Abies balsamea
Significance in Ojibwe Cultures:
The antimicrobial effects of Balsam Fir were found to be potent enough that Indigenous Peoples used the oil as an antiseptic on wounds.
How to Identify the Leaves:
"The balsam fir is one of the most recognizable trees in Ontario. It’s tall and narrow and tapers to a skinny point at the top.
It looks a bit like a church steeple. When the tree is young, its bark is covered in sap blisters. The sticky sap is always on the tree, so be careful not to brush up against it.
Its cones are barrel shaped and greyish brown and are 4 to 10 centimetres long. Its needles are 2 to 4 centimetres long and dark and shiny green, with two white bands underneath."
Sources:
Translation: https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/zhingob-na
Significance in Ojibwe Cultures: https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/zhingob-na
How to Identify Tree: https://www.ontario.ca/page/balsam-fir