Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Norway Spruce – Picea abies

Description:
The Norway Spruce is a majestic, fast-growing evergreen conifer native to Europe, prized for its classic pyramidal shape and graceful, downward-sweeping branches. Reaching heights of 35–55 meters (115–180 feet) at maturity, this tree is a favorite for windbreaks, privacy screens, and as a living Christmas tree. Its dark green, needle-like foliage provides year-round interest, while its large, cylindrical cones (up to 17 cm long) are the largest of any spruce.

Norway Spruce adapts well to a variety of soils but thrives best in full sun and well-drained locations. It grows rapidly when young-up to 1 meter per year for the first 25 years-making it ideal for quickly establishing shelter or adding vertical structure to your landscape. In addition to its ornamental value, Norway Spruce offers habitat and food for birds and wildlife.

Key Features:

• Fast-growing evergreen conifer

• Mature height: 115–180 ft (35–55 m); width: 25–40 ft (7–12 m)

• Dark green, needle-like foliage with drooping branchlets

• Produces large, cylindrical cones (9–17 cm)

• Hardy and adaptable; prefers full sun and well-drained soil

• Excellent for windbreaks, privacy screens, and wildlife habitat

• Hardy in USDA zones 2–7

Care Instructions:
Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water deeply once a week, especially during establishment and dry spells. Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Light: Full sun
Water: Deep, infrequent watering; more during drought
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Growth Rate: Fast when young
Landscape Uses: Windbreak, privacy screen, specimen tree, wildlife habitat, living Christmas tree
Companion Plants: Red Maple, White Pine, Mountain Laurel, Rhododendron
Toxicity: Non-toxic

Botanical Name: Picea abies