Sitka spruce
ExplorePlants
Sitka spruce
Picea sitchensis
The Sitka spruce is a tall tree with soft, needle-like leaves. It grows in coastal areas and is known for its strong wood, which is used to make musical instruments and airplanes!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Sitka spruce has sharp, stiff, blue-green needles that are individually attached to its twigs. Its bark is thin, scaly, and purplish-gray, often deeply furrowed on older trees. This combination of spiky needles and shaggy bark helps distinguish it from other conifers.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusPicea
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
4
Interesting facts
Indigenous peoples traditionally used its tough roots for weaving incredibly durable and watertight baskets.
Its super-strong yet light wood is highly prized for making musical instruments, especially guitars and pianos!
Some Sitka spruce trees have been alive for over 800 years, witnessing centuries of change!
The world's tallest spruce tree, towering over 100 meters, is a Sitka spruce!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt Shield
Sitka spruce can tolerate salty ocean spray thanks to its tough needles and waxy coating, helping it thrive right by the sea.
Ability
Sky Scraper
Sitka spruce can grow incredibly tall, often over 90 meters, which helps it compete for precious sunlight in dense coastal forests.
Ability
Wind Warrior
Sitka spruce has a strong, wide-spreading root system that helps it stay anchored against fierce coastal gales and storms.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5000-10000 cm
- Spread
- 1000-2000 cm
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Watch
Ecological connections
eaten by
Elk
Cervus canadensis
Elk browse on young Sitka spruce trees.
shelters
Northern Flying Squirrel
Glaucomys sabrinus
Squirrels nest in and eat seeds from Sitka spruce cones.
symbiotic with
Red-staining Rhizopogon
Rhizopogon vinicolor
This truffle fungus forms a helpful partnership with spruce roots.
shelters
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Ospreys often build large nests high in Sitka spruce crowns.
Traits
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.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Temperate Rainforest
This habitat trait identifies species found in temperate rainforests, characterized by significant rainfall, mild temperatures, and dense evergreen or deciduous forests in coastal regions.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay on paths when exploring forests and be careful of falling branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Sitka spruce?
5000-10000 cm
How wide does Sitka spruce spread?
1000-2000 cm
Is Sitka spruce edible?
Yes
Is Sitka spruce toxic?
None
What is Sitka spruce's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Sitka spruce pollinated?
Wind
Where is Sitka spruce usually found?
Coastal areas
Snap Map
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