Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Pinaceae
Native Range: Europe
Leaf: evergreen, alternate, glossy, needles dense, stiff, with curved or straight, pointed tips, ½ to 1inch long, needles on the upper side of stem overlap and point forward, needles on the underside spread right and left exposing the stem
Twig and Bud: twig brown, buds orangish brown, rosette-shaped, ¼ inch long
Flower, Fruit and Seed: cylindrical seed cones, brown at maturity, 4-6 inches long, hang beneath the limb
Bark: gray-brown with flaky surface scales
Shape and Mature Height: conical, primary branches pendulous, 40-60 feet, but can reach 100 feet or more
Garden Value and Considerations
Grows best in full sun with acidic, moist, sandy, well-drained soils, but can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. Norway spruce are tolerant of air pollution. They are reported as being of extremely low browse preference for white-tailed deer.
Notes
Norway spruce trees provide winter cover to a variety of wildlife. Squirrels and birds frequently consume the seeds.
