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Picea abies

Image of Picea abies

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Pinaceae

Botanical Name

Picea abies

Plant Common Name

Norway Spruce

General Description

Native to Europe, this large, fast growing, pyramidal evergreen with drooping branchlets and long brown cones is one of the most widely planted hardy conifers. Its graceful habit and rich green foliage provide year-round ornamental interest. The short, sharp-tipped needles point forward. The bark is grayish-brown with orange undertones. Many cultivars are available, including numerous dwarf selections.

Like most spruces, this adaptable tree prefers full sun and moderately moist, well drained soil. Use it for screening and windbreaks or as a specimen in a spacious landscape to best enjoy this tree's drooping branches and impressive size.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    3 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    45'-100' / 13.7m - 30.5m (60)

  • Width

    25'-30' / 7.6m - 9.1m (25)

  • Native To

    Europe

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Platy

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes