Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
Architectural, Picea abies (Norway Spruce) is a fast-growing, large pyramidal evergreen conifer with dense, slightly upturned primary branches and pendulous secondary branches. The foliage of spirally-arranged, dark green, glossy, needle-like leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), covers the upper side of the branchlets. The cylindrical light brown cones, 6 in. long (15 cm), are pendulous.
Architectural, Picea abies (Norway Spruce) is a fast-growing, large pyramidal evergreen conifer with dense, slightly upturned primary branches and pendulous secondary branches. The foliage of spirally-arranged, dark green, glossy, needle-like leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), covers the upper side of the branchlets. The cylindrical light brown cones, 6 in. long (15 cm), are pendulous. Norway spruce is one of the most important coniferous species in Europe both from an economic and ecological point of view. Much used as a Christmas tree, it is also widely used in landscaping, where it is valued for its ease of growing, rapid growth, and tolerance of a wide range of conditions. It is frequently used as a windbreak.
- Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall (12-18 m) and 25-30 ft. wide (7.5-9 m) at maturity.
- Performs best in full sun in acid or neutral, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Generally prefers cool climates and will struggle in hot and humid climate areas. Tolerant of air pollution.
- Perfect as a distinctive specimen plant, windbreak, or Christmas tree.
- Watch for adelgids, aphids and conifer red spider mite. Easy to grow and easy to care for. Deer resistant.
- No pruning is required.
- Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Picea abies species is native to Europe.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Picea – Spruces |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Spread | 25' – 30' (7.5m – 9m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Hedges and Screens |