Picea abies
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Tracheophyta |
| Class: Pinopsida |
| Order: Pinales |
| Family: Pinaceae |
| Genus: Picea |
| Species: Picea abies |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Norway spruce in North America grow between 80 - 100 feet tall. They are an evergreen, making them well suited to be planted as wind breaks.
The needles of this tree are 3/4" long, dark green, single, and four-sided.
Habitat & Range
Norway spruce is native to Europe, and was introduced to North America. It is able to grow in a variety of conditions, but prefers well drained and moist soils and cooler weather.
This tree has been intentionally planted in North America for landscaping and ornamental use. It is considered naturalized throughout the northeastern US, the Great Lakes region, and southeastern Canada, meaning that it grows and reproduces on its own in this area.
Life Cycle
Soon after maturity, Norway spruce will drop its long, slender cones. These cones are 5" long and start out green in color, turning brown.
Featured image by James Dake.