Spruce
ExploreTrees
Spruce
Picea abies
Spruce trees are tall evergreens with sharp, needle-like leaves. They stay green all year round and provide homes for birds and squirrels.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Spruce has a distinct conical shape with sharply pointed, dark green needles that are individually attached to its woody branches. Its rough, scaly bark is typically brown or grayish, and its oblong cones hang downwards, which helps distinguish it from similar conifer trees.
KingdomPlantaePhylumMarchantiophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusPicea
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Did you know the oldest known individual tree on Earth is a spruce in Sweden, over 9,500 years old?
Native Americans once used spruce roots as strong cordage for weaving baskets and stitching canoes!
Spruce wood is so light and strong, it's used to make the soundboards of grand pianos and violins!
These trees have tiny air sacs in their needles, helping them survive in freezing temperatures!
Special abilities
Ability
Winter Warrior
Spruce has waxy, needle-like leaves and a conical shape that helps it shed snow easily, protecting branches from breaking in heavy winter weather.
Ability
Root Anchor
Spruce develops a wide, shallow root system that helps it stay anchored and stable in cold, often rocky or shallow soils.
Ability
Evergreen Energy
Spruce can keep its needles all year round, allowing it to photosynthesize and make food even during mild winter days.
Ability
Fire Shield
Spruce species often have thick bark that helps protect the tree from the heat of less intense forest fires.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-60 m
- Canopy Spread
- 5-15 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 50-150 cm
- Lifespan
- 200-800 years
- Fruit Type
- Cone
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
Ecological connections
shelters
American red squirrel
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
nests and caches cones
eaten by
Moose
Alces alces
browses on young shoots
shelters
Great horned owl
Bubo virginianus
builds nests in branches
symbiotic with
Sickener mushroom
Russula emetica
forms mycorrhizal associations
Traits
Mycorrhizal
This trait describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, benefiting both organisms.
Cold Hardy
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Coniferous
Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Black Spruce
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Enjoy the beauty of spruce trees from a safe distance and avoid climbing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Spruce?
20-60 m
How wide does Spruce spread?
5-15 m
Is Spruce edible?
Yes
How big is Spruce?
50-150 cm
How long does Spruce live?
200-800 years
Where is Spruce usually found?
Forests
What kind of fruit does Spruce produce?
Cone
How fast does Spruce grow?
Medium
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