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

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