# 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. - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 7 - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Black Spruce ![Spruce](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Kuusk_Keila-Paldiski_rdt_%C3%A4%C3%A4res.jpg&width=800) Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 3.0 ee · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kuusk_Keila-Paldiski_rdt_%C3%A4%C3%A4res.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Marchantiophyta - **Class:** Pinopsida - **Order:** Pinales - **Family:** Pinaceae - **Genus:** Picea ## 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 - **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. - **Root Anchor:** Spruce develops a wide, shallow root system that helps it stay anchored and stable in cold, often rocky or shallow soils. - **Evergreen Energy:** Spruce can keep its needles all year round, allowing it to photosynthesize and make food even during mild winter days. - **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 - **Spread:** 5-15 m - **Edible:** Yes - **Size:** 50-150 cm - **Lifespan:** 200-800 years - **Fruit Type:** Cone - **Growth Rate:** Medium - **Leaf Type:** Evergreen ## Ecological connections - **Shelter:** [American red squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-red-squirrel) (*Tamiasciurus hudsonicus*) — nests and caches cones - **Eaten by:** [Moose](https://www.snappit.app/explore/moose) (*Alces alces*) — browses on young shoots - **Shelter:** [Great horned owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — builds nests in branches - **Symbiotic with:** Sickener mushroom (*Russula emetica*) — forms mycorrhizal associations ## Traits - [Mycorrhizal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mycorrhizal): This trait describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, benefiting both organisms. - [Cold Hardy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cold-hardy): Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage. - [Coniferous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coniferous): Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones. - [Evergreen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/evergreen): Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once. - [Medicinal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/medicinal): Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Enjoy the beauty of spruce trees from a safe distance and avoid climbing them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Spruce? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Bear Meadows Natural Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bear-meadows-natural-area) — Pennsylvania, US · Nature Reserve - [Cedarmere-Clayton Estates](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cedarmere-clayton-estates) — New York, US · Historic District - [Richard Bong State Recreation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/richard-bong-state-recreation-area) — Wisconsin, US · State Park - [Blue Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/blue-hill-historic-district) — Maine, US · Historic District - [Hastings Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hastings-hill-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [New Canaan Nature Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/new-canaan-nature-center) — Connecticut, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Spruce](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/spruce) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Spruce: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spruce)