Spruce trees, from the Picea genus, are evergreen conifers thriving in cold, temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Known for their conical shapes and needle-like leaves, they add year-round beauty to landscapes. Growing 30–180 feet tall, spruces are prized for timber, Christmas trees, and ornamental planting. Their dense canopies provide excellent shade and windbreaks.
The needles of spruce trees are four-sided, sharp, and attached to branches via small, woody pegs called sterigmata. They range from green to blue-gray, often with a waxy coating. Spruces produce hanging cones with thin, papery scales, distinguishing them from firs with upright cones. These cones are a food source for birds and small mammals.
Spruces prefer well-drained, acidic soils and full sun, though some tolerate partial shade. They grow slowly, adding 1–2 feet annually, but can live for centuries. Young trees need consistent moisture to establish roots, while mature spruces are drought-tolerant. Their adaptability makes them suitable for diverse climates.
Ecologically, spruce trees stabilize soil with their extensive roots and enrich it with fallen needles. They support wildlife, providing shelter for birds and habitat for insects. In boreal forests, spruces dominate, creating stable ecosystems. Their resinous wood also hosts fungi, fostering biodiversity.
Spruce wood is strong and resonant, used for furniture, construction, and musical instruments like guitars. In landscaping, spruces serve as focal points, hedges, or privacy screens. Dwarf varieties are popular for small gardens, while larger species suit expansive parks or forests.
Despite their resilience, spruces face threats from pests like spruce budworm and spider mites, as well as fungal diseases. Climate change impacts their range in some areas. Proper care, including pruning and pest monitoring, ensures their longevity. Consult local nurseries for planting advice.
Spruce Trees
Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
- Description: A fast-growing, towering spruce reaching 80–150 feet, Norway spruce is a classic Christmas tree with graceful, drooping branches and lush foliage. It’s widely used for timber and ornamental planting.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are dark green, glossy, four-sided, and measure ½–1 inch, attached to branches via small, woody pegs (sterigmata) that create a rough texture when needles fall. Cones are large, cylindrical, 4–7 inches long, light brown with thin, flexible scales, and hang downward from branches. The bark is reddish-brown, scaly, and peels in thin flakes, becoming more fissured with age. Branches are pendulous, giving a layered, drooping appearance, especially on older trees. Young twigs are orange-brown, turning gray with maturity, and buds are conical with overlapping scales.
- Distribution: Native to Europe, from Scandinavia to the Balkans; widely naturalized in North America, particularly in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions.
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Glauca’)
- Description: Known for its vibrant blue-gray foliage, this spruce grows 60–100 feet with a dense, pyramidal crown. It’s a landscaping favorite for its color and drought tolerance.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are sharp, stiff, four-sided, and ¾–1½ inches long, with a striking blue-green to silvery-blue hue due to a waxy coating (glaucous bloom). They radiate around the twig, attached by woody sterigmata. Cones are cylindrical, 2–4 inches long, pale brown with papery, flexible scales, and hang from upper branches. Bark is thin, scaly, and gray, often with a slight purplish tint in younger trees, becoming furrowed with age. Branches are rigid, horizontal, and tiered, creating a symmetrical, conical shape. Twigs are orange-brown, turning gray, with small, pointed buds.
- Distribution: Native to the Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming); widely planted in North America and Europe.
White Spruce (Picea glauca)
- Description: A hardy, medium-sized spruce (60–70 feet tall), white spruce is valued for lumber, pulp, and Christmas trees. Its conical shape and pleasant scent make it ideal for landscapes.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are pale green to bluish, four-sided, ½–¾ inch long, slightly curved, and emit a skunk-like odor when crushed. They attach via sterigmata, leaving twigs rough when shed. Cones are slender, 1¼–2 inches long, light brown with thin, rounded scales, and hang from upper branches. Bark is thin, scaly, and gray-brown, often flaking to reveal reddish underlayers in mature trees. Branches are slightly drooping, densely packed, with a whorled arrangement. Twigs are pale brown to gray, hairless, with small, resinous buds that are rounded and reddish-brown.
- Distribution: Northern North America, from Alaska to the Great Lakes and Newfoundland; common in boreal forests.
Black Spruce (Picea mariana)
- Description: A slow-growing spruce (15–50 feet tall) suited to wet, boggy soils, black spruce has a narrow, spire-like crown and is primarily used for pulp production.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are short, rigid, blue-green, four-sided, and about ½ inch long, densely packed on hairy, reddish-brown twigs, giving a slightly fuzzy appearance. Cones are small, ½–1½ inches long, dark purple when young, maturing to grayish-brown with brittle, irregular scales, often persisting on branches for years. Bark is thin, grayish-brown, and scaly, peeling in small patches. Branches are short, stiff, and slightly upturned, forming a narrow, irregular crown. Buds are small, oval, and dark brown with tightly packed scales.
- Distribution: Northern North America, including Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern U.S.; thrives in swamps and bogs.
Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika)
- Description: A slender spruce (50–60 feet tall) with a narrow, pyramidal form, Serbian spruce is prized for its elegant shape and silvery-green foliage, perfect for small landscapes.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are flat, ½–1 inch long, dark green above with two silvery-white stomatal bands on the underside, creating a two-toned effect. They attach via sterigmata on slender, drooping twigs. Cones are small, spindle-shaped, 1–2 inches long, purple when young, maturing to glossy brown with thin scales. Bark is reddish-brown, scaly, and peels in thin strips, revealing reddish underlayers. Branches are short, pendulous or slightly ascending, forming a graceful, tiered silhouette. Buds are small, conical, and reddish-brown with resinous scales.
- Distribution: Native to Serbia’s Drina River valley; widely planted in Europe and North America as an ornamental.
Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)
- Description: A coastal giant reaching 125–180 feet, Sitka spruce is used for timber and musical instruments due to its resonant wood. It thrives in moist, cool environments.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are sharp, flattened, blue-green, ¾–1 inch long, with two white stomatal bands on the underside, radiating around twigs on prominent sterigmata. Cones are 2–4 inches long, reddish-purple when young, maturing to light brown with thin, papery scales. Bark is thin, scaly, gray-brown, often with a purplish tint, becoming deeply furrowed in older trees. Branches are horizontal, slightly drooping, with a broad, conical crown. Twigs are pale brown, hairless, with large, pointed buds covered in loose, brown scales.
- Distribution: Pacific Northwest coast (Alaska to Northern California); common in temperate rainforests.
Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)
- Description: A high-altitude spruce (70–100 feet tall) with a slender, conical crown, Engelmann spruce is used for timber and Christmas trees in mountainous areas.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are soft, flexible, blue-green, four-sided, ¾–1¼ inches long, with a slightly powdery coating and a mild, resinous scent when crushed. They attach via sterigmata on smooth, grayish twigs. Cones are short, cylindrical, 1½–2½ inches long, light brown with thin, flexible scales. Bark is thin, reddish-brown, scaly, and peels in small, rounded flakes, revealing orange underlayers in mature trees. Branches are slightly drooping, densely arranged, forming a narrow, spire-like crown. Buds are small, conical, and reddish with tightly packed scales.
- Distribution: Western North America, from British Columbia to Arizona and New Mexico; common in Rocky Mountains.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)
- Description: A compact, conical shrub (10–12 feet tall over decades), this dwarf spruce is popular for topiary, containers, and small gardens due to its dense, soft foliage.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are soft, bright green, four-sided, ¾ inch long, densely packed on slender, smooth twigs, creating a lush, velvety texture. Cones are rare, but when present, are small, 1–2 inches long, light brown with thin scales. Bark is smooth, pale gray, often hidden by dense foliage. Branches are short, horizontal, and tightly packed, forming a perfect, conical shape. Twigs are light brown, turning gray, with tiny, rounded buds that are reddish-brown and slightly resinous. Growth is extremely slow, adding 2–4 inches annually.
- Distribution: Cultivar of white spruce; widely planted in North America, Europe, and Asia for ornamental use.
Bird’s Nest Spruce (Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’)
- Description: A low-growing, rounded shrub (1–2 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide), this Norway spruce cultivar has a depressed center resembling a bird’s nest, ideal for rock gardens.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are soft, yellowish-green to grayish-green, four-sided, ½ inch long, densely packed on short, smooth twigs, creating a cushioned, mounded appearance. Cones are rare, but when present, are small, 1–2 inches, light brown with thin scales. Bark is smooth, grayish-brown, often obscured by foliage. Branches are short, spreading horizontally, with a slight dip in the center, forming a nest-like shape. Twigs are pale brown, hairless, with small, rounded buds covered in thin, reddish scales. Growth is slow, maintaining a compact form.
- Distribution: Cultivar of Norway spruce; popular in North America and Europe for borders and rock gardens.
Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis)
- Description: A slow-growing spruce (50–60 feet tall) with a dense, pyramidal crown, oriental spruce is valued for its glossy foliage and suitability as a specimen tree.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are very short, dark green, glossy, four-sided, ¼–½ inch long, densely packed on slender, drooping twigs, giving a lush, compact appearance. Cones are small, ovoid, 1–1½ inches long, purple when young, maturing to glossy brown with thin, rounded scales. Bark is reddish-brown, scaly, peeling in thin strips to reveal reddish underlayers. Branches are short, horizontal to pendulous, creating a dense, layered crown. Buds are small, conical, reddish-brown, with resinous, tightly packed scales.
- Distribution: Native to the Caucasus and northeastern Turkey; planted ornamentally in Europe and North America.
Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca var. densata)
- Description: A compact spruce (30–50 feet tall) with dense branching, Black Hills spruce is a popular Christmas tree and windbreak due to its cold hardiness and tidy form.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are short, blue-green, four-sided, ½–¾ inch long, slightly curved, with a waxy coating, attached via sterigmata on smooth, grayish twigs. Cones are small, 1–2 inches long, light brown with thin, flexible scales, hanging from upper branches. Bark is thin, scaly, gray, flaking to reveal reddish-brown underlayers. Branches are short, horizontal, densely packed, forming a conical to pyramidal crown. Twigs are pale brown, turning gray, with small, rounded buds that are reddish and slightly resinous.
- Distribution: Native to South Dakota’s Black Hills; widely planted in North America for landscaping.
Red Spruce (Picea rubens)
- Description: A medium-sized spruce growing 60–80 feet tall, red spruce is valued for timber, pulp, and musical instruments due to its resonant wood. It thrives in cool, moist climates and is a key species in Appalachian forests.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are dark green to yellowish-green, four-sided, sharp, and ½–¾ inch long, attached to twigs via woody sterigmata, giving a rough texture when shed. They have a slightly glossy appearance and emit a mild resinous scent when crushed. Cones are slender, 1½–2 inches long, reddish-brown when young, maturing to light brown with thin, papery scales that often fall early. Bark is reddish-brown, thin, and scaly, peeling in small, irregular flakes to reveal darker underlayers. Branches are short, horizontal, and slightly drooping, forming a dense, conical crown. Twigs are orange-brown, turning gray, with small, rounded buds covered in reddish, tightly packed scales.
- Distribution: Native to eastern North America, from Quebec to the Appalachian Mountains (New York to North Carolina); common in cool, high-elevation forests.
Brewer Spruce (Picea breweriana)
- Description: A rare, slow-growing spruce reaching 80–120 feet, Brewer spruce is known for its weeping, curtain-like branches, making it a striking ornamental tree in large landscapes.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are dark green, flattened, ¾–1¼ inches long, with two white stomatal bands on the underside, attached to twigs via prominent sterigmata. They are soft and slightly curved, radiating around the twig. Cones are cylindrical, 3–5 inches long, purplish when young, maturing to brown with thick, woody scales. Bark is thin, grayish-brown, scaly, and peels in small patches, becoming fissured with age. Branches are long, pendulous, hanging like curtains, creating a unique, tiered silhouette. Twigs are slender, brownish, with small, conical buds covered in loose, reddish scales.
- Distribution: Native to the Klamath Mountains of southern Oregon and northern California; planted ornamentally in North America and Europe.
Caucasian Spruce (Picea orientalis ‘Aurea’)
- Description: A golden cultivar of oriental spruce growing 30–50 feet tall, this spruce features vibrant yellow-green foliage, ideal for adding color to landscapes as a specimen tree.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are short, ¼–½ inch long, four-sided, golden-yellow when young, maturing to dark green with a glossy finish, densely packed on slender, drooping twigs via sterigmata. They create a radiant, two-toned effect. Cones are small, 1–1½ inches long, purple when immature, turning glossy brown with thin, rounded scales. Bark is reddish-brown, scaly, peeling in thin strips to reveal reddish underlayers. Branches are short, horizontal to slightly pendulous, forming a dense, pyramidal crown. Buds are tiny, conical, reddish-brown, with resinous, overlapping scales.
- Distribution: Cultivar of oriental spruce; widely planted in North America and Europe for ornamental purposes.
Blue Diamond Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Blue Diamond’)
- Description: A compact, slow-growing spruce (10–15 feet tall over decades), this cultivar of Colorado blue spruce is prized for its intense blue foliage and conical shape, perfect for small gardens.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are sharp, four-sided, ¾–1 inch long, with a brilliant silvery-blue hue due to a thick waxy coating, attached to twigs via woody sterigmata. They radiate uniformly, creating a spiky texture. Cones are rare, but when present, are 2–3 inches long, pale brown with flexible scales. Bark is smooth, pale gray, becoming scaly with age, often hidden by dense foliage. Branches are short, stiff, and horizontal, forming a compact, pyramidal shape. Twigs are orange-brown, turning gray, with small, pointed buds covered in reddish scales.
- Distribution: Cultivar of Colorado blue spruce; popular in North America and Europe for landscaping.
Fat Albert Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Fat Albert’)
- Description: A dwarf cultivar of Colorado blue spruce growing 10–15 feet tall, Fat Albert has a broad, conical form and vibrant blue needles, making it a popular choice for small yards.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are stiff, four-sided, ¾–1½ inches long, with a striking blue-gray color due to a glaucous coating, attached via sterigmata on sturdy twigs. They are densely packed, giving a plush appearance. Cones are infrequent, 2–4 inches long, light brown with thin scales when present. Bark is thin, gray, scaly, and slightly furrowed, often obscured by foliage. Branches are short, horizontal, and tiered, creating a wide, symmetrical crown. Twigs are pale brown, turning gray, with small, conical buds covered in reddish, resinous scales.
- Distribution: Cultivar of Colorado blue spruce; widely planted in North America for ornamental use.
Meyer Spruce (Picea meyeri)
- Description: A medium-sized spruce (40–60 feet tall) native to China, Meyer spruce has a dense, conical crown and soft, blue-green foliage, increasingly popular for landscaping and windbreaks.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are soft, four-sided, ¾–1¼ inches long, blue-green with a slight silvery sheen, attached via sterigmata on smooth, grayish twigs. They are slightly curved and emit a mild, pleasant scent when crushed. Cones are cylindrical, 2–3 inches long, green when young, maturing to light brown with thin, flexible scales. Bark is gray-brown, scaly, peeling in small patches to reveal reddish underlayers. Branches are horizontal, densely packed, forming a broad, conical shape. Buds are small, rounded, and reddish-brown with tightly packed scales.
- Distribution: Native to northern China; planted ornamentally in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Little Gem Spruce (Picea abies ‘Little Gem’)
- Description: A tiny, rounded shrub (1–2 feet tall and wide), this Norway spruce cultivar is perfect for rock gardens, containers, or borders due to its compact, dense growth.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are soft, four-sided, ¼–½ inch long, bright green, densely packed on short, smooth twigs via sterigmata, creating a cushioned, mounded texture. Cones are rare, but when present, are small, 1–1½ inches long, light brown with thin scales. Bark is smooth, grayish-brown, often hidden by foliage. Branches are short, horizontal, radiating outward to form a tight, globe-like shape. Twigs are pale brown, turning gray, with tiny, rounded buds covered in reddish, resinous scales. Growth is very slow, adding 1–2 inches annually.
- Distribution: Cultivar of Norway spruce; popular in North America and Europe for small-scale landscaping.
Hoopsii Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Hoopsii’)
- Description: A striking cultivar of Colorado blue spruce (30–50 feet tall), Hoopsii spruce is renowned for its intense, silvery-blue foliage and dense, conical form, ideal as a specimen tree.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are sharp, four-sided, ¾–1½ inches long, with a vivid silvery-blue color due to a heavy waxy coating, attached via sterigmata on sturdy, grayish twigs. They radiate uniformly, creating a spiky, plush appearance. Cones are 2–4 inches long, pale brown with thin, flexible scales, appearing sporadically. Bark is thin, scaly, gray, becoming furrowed with age. Branches are stiff, horizontal, and tiered, forming a symmetrical, conical crown. Buds are small, conical, reddish-brown, with resinous, overlapping scales.
- Distribution: Cultivar of Colorado blue spruce; widely planted in North America and Europe for ornamental purposes.
Schrenk Spruce (Picea schrenkiana)
- Description: A large spruce (80–120 feet tall) native to Central Asia, Schrenk spruce has a slender, conical crown and soft, green foliage, used for timber and ornamental planting in harsh climates.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are soft, four-sided, ¾–1½ inches long, bright green with a slight bluish tint, attached via sterigmata on smooth, grayish twigs. They are slightly curved and densely packed, giving a lush texture. Cones are cylindrical, 3–4 inches long, green when young, maturing to brown with thin, papery scales. Bark is gray-brown, scaly, peeling in small patches to reveal reddish underlayers. Branches are horizontal, slightly drooping, forming a narrow, conical crown. Buds are small, conical, and reddish with tightly packed scales.
- Distribution: Native to Central Asia (Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan); planted ornamentally in Europe and Asia.
Globe Blue Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Glauca Globosa’)
- Description: A dwarf, rounded shrub (3–5 feet tall and wide), this Colorado blue spruce cultivar is prized for its compact, blue-gray foliage, ideal for rock gardens or low hedges.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are sharp, four-sided, ½–1 inch long, silvery-blue due to a glaucous coating, attached via sterigmata on short, grayish twigs, creating a dense, spiky texture. Cones are rare, 2–3 inches long, light brown with thin scales when present. Bark is smooth, pale gray, often obscured by foliage. Branches are short, horizontal, radiating outward to form a mounded, globe-like shape. Twigs are orange-brown, turning gray, with small, pointed buds covered in reddish scales. Growth is slow, adding 2–3 inches annually.
- Distribution: Cultivar of Colorado blue spruce; popular in North America and Europe for landscaping.
Lhasa Spruce (Picea likiangensis)
- Description: A rare spruce (60–100 feet tall) native to the Himalayas, Lhasa spruce has a conical crown and soft, blue-green foliage, used for timber and ornamental planting in high-altitude regions.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are soft, four-sided, ¾–1¼ inches long, blue-green with two white stomatal bands on the underside, attached via sterigmata on slender, grayish twigs. They are slightly curved and emit a mild resinous scent. Cones are cylindrical, 2–4 inches long, purple when young, maturing to brown with thick, woody scales. Bark is gray-brown, scaly, peeling in small patches to reveal reddish underlayers. Branches are horizontal, slightly drooping, forming a broad, conical crown. Buds are small, conical, reddish-brown, with resinous scales.
- Distribution: Native to the Himalayas (Tibet, Bhutan, western China); planted ornamentally in Asia and Europe.
Weeping Blue Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Pendula’)
- Description: A dramatic, weeping cultivar of Colorado blue spruce (10–20 feet tall), this spruce has cascading branches and vivid blue foliage, used as a ground cover or specimen plant.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are sharp, four-sided, ¾–1½ inches long, silvery-blue with a heavy waxy coating, attached via sterigmata on slender, drooping twigs, creating a cascading, spiky curtain. Cones are rare, 2–4 inches long, light brown with thin scales when present. Bark is smooth, gray, becoming scaly, often hidden by foliage. Branches are long, pendulous, trailing to the ground, forming an irregular, weeping shape. Twigs are orange-brown, turning gray, with small, conical buds covered in reddish, resinous scales.
- Distribution: Cultivar of Colorado blue spruce; planted in North America and Europe for ornamental landscapes.
Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies ‘Pendula’)
- Description: A dramatic, weeping shrub or small tree (10–15 feet tall) with cascading branches, this cultivar is used as a ground cover or specimen in gardens.
- Identifying Characteristics: Needles are dark green, glossy, four-sided, ½–1 inch long, attached via sterigmata on slender, drooping twigs, creating a curtain-like effect. Cones are rare, but when present, are 2–4 inches long, light brown with thin scales. Bark is smooth, reddish-brown, often hidden by cascading foliage. Branches are long, pendulous, trailing to the ground, forming an irregular, weeping shape. Twigs are orange-brown, turning gray, with conical, reddish-brown buds covered in loose scales.
- Distribution: Cultivar of Norway spruce; planted in North America and Europe for ornamental landscapes.
Growing Tips for Spruce Trees and Shrubs
To promote healthy growth, follow these tips:
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
- Light: Full sun for most species; some tolerate partial shade.
- Watering: Regular moisture for young plants; established spruces are drought-tolerant.
- Pruning: Minimal, to shape or remove dead branches in late winter.
- Pests: Watch for spruce budworm, spider mites, and fungal diseases like cytospora canker.