Norway
Spruce
Picea
abies
The
most common spruce in Europe, this tree has been extensively planted in
the US. It is at home from sea level to high mountains and has spread
naturally through large mixed forests in the moister regions of the
country.
Commonly,
it will reach about 60’ in height and 20' in diameter, with spreading
heavy branches clear to the ground. In ideal conditions it may grow as
high as 150’.
Trees
are cone shaped with a single straight tapering trunk and branches
arranged in whorls. The needles are four sided and grow from all sides of
the branch but curve upward and forward.
Male cones are tiny soft cones at the end of the branches; females are 4 to 5 inches long, purple when new, and light brown when mature. Both male and female trees grow on the same tree.
