The cones are erect; cylindrical; 1.4 to 2.75 inches (3.5-7 cm) long, rarely 3.2 in (8 cm), and 1-1.2 inches (2.5-3 cm) broad, rarely 1.5 in (4 cm) broad; dark purple, turning pale brown when mature; often resinous; and with long reflexed green, yellow, or pale purple bract scales.
Some botanists regard the variety of Balsam fir named Abies balsamea var.