User:Ahirschl/sandbox

Balsam fir tends to grow in cool climates, ideally with a mean annual temperature of 40oF, with consistent moisture at its roots. They typically grow in the following four forest types:
 * swamp - swamp forest types never completely dry out, so balsam firs have constant access to water. The ground is covered in sphagnum and other mosses. In swamps, balsam firs grow densely and slowly, and are slender.
 * flat - sometimes referred to as "dry swamps," these areas are better drained than swamps but still retain moisture well. Fern moss covers the ground and there is a possibility of ground rot. In flat areas balsam fir grows fast, tall, and large, mixed with red spruce.
 * hardwood slope - ground rot is common in this well drained area and leaf litter covers the forest floor. Balsam firs grow fast, tall and large along with big hardwood trees such as yellow birch, sugar maple and beech.
 * mountain top - balsam firs grow at an elevation of 2,500 to 3,000 feet in pure strands. The development is similar to that in swamps with slow growth and small, short trees. Some of the low branches touch the ground, and may grow roots to produce an independent tree.