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Picea abies
Norway Spruce
Northern and central Europe (Scandinavia south to Balkans and Alps)Learn more
Overview
Picea abies is the Norway spruce, an evergreen conifer growing 720–1,200 inches (1,800–3,000 cm / 60–100 feet) tall and 300–480 inches (750–1,200 cm / 25–40 feet) wide. Dark green stiff 4-sided needles 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) on peg-like projections (sterigmata) along the stem — the pegs remain after needle drop, creating a rough twig surface (a genus trait distinguishing Picea from Abies, which has smooth twigs). Pendant (drooping) secondary branchlets on mature trees create a curtain-like texture — young trees have ascending branches. The largest cones of any European spruce: 4–7 inches (10–18 cm), pendant, cylindrical. The most widely planted spruce in North America — used for windbreaks, screens, and Christmas trees. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree (New York) is typically a Norway spruce. Hundreds of dwarf cultivars: 'Nidiformis' (bird's nest spruce — dense flat-topped mound, 24–36 inches / 60–90 cm), 'Pumila' (dwarf globe), 'Pendula' (weeping). In the pine family (Pinaceae). 'Old Tjikko' in Sweden — a clonal colony of P. abies — has a root system carbon-dated to approximately 9,550 years. Native to northern and central Europe (Scandinavia south to the Balkans and Alps). Intolerant of hot dry summers (declines in zones 8+). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun. Zones 2–7. Growth rate is fast (24–36 inches / 60–90 cm per year when young).
Native Range
Native to northern and central Europe from Scandinavia south to the Balkans and Alps, growing in montane and boreal forests.Suggested Uses
Grown as a windbreak, screen, and specimen in zones 2–7. The most widely planted spruce in North America. Dwarf cultivars ('Nidiformis', 'Pumila') for small gardens. Intolerant of hot dry summers. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height60' - 100'
Width/Spread25' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Mid-spring (April–May). Red-purple female strobili and yellow-red male strobili. Large pendant cones 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) mature by fall. The dark green evergreen pyramidal form with pendant branchlets is the year-round feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Female strobili red-purple, upright, 1 inch (2.5 cm); male strobili yellow-red (spring)Foliage Description
Dark green, stiff, 4-sided needles 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm) on peg-like projections (sterigmata)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. Intolerant of hot dry summers (zones 8+). Fast-growing when young. The pendant branchlet texture develops on mature trees. Hundreds of dwarf cultivars for small gardens. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 2–7.Pruning
No pruning needed for the species — the pyramidal form develops naturally. Do not remove the leader. Dwarf cultivars require no pruning. Christmas tree farms shear annually for dense form.Pruning Schedule
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A
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late spring