How to identify Norway spruce 'Nidiformis' (Picea abies 'Nidiformis')

How to identify Norway spruce 'Nidiformis' (Picea abies 'Nidiformis')

Norway spruce 'Nidiformis', also known as Common spruce 'Nidiformis'

Norway spruce 'Nidiformis' is characterized by its dense, low-growing form, achieving a maximum height of about 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) with a similar spread. Its branches and foliage create a distinctive flattened, globe-like silhouette. The needles exhibit a lush green color, complementing the shrub's overall rounded shape. A prominent feature of norway spruce 'Nidiformis' is the central top depression, resembling a bird's nest, which is more noticeable as the plant matures. This evergreen's compact growth and unique structure make it distinguishable among garden shrubs.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Norway spruce 'Nidiformis'

Compact globe-like silhouette, 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and wide.

Lush green needle leaves in horizontal layers, 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm) long.

Brown woody cones, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, with rounded wavy edged scales.

Central top depression resembling a bird's nest in mature plants.

Non-flowering plant, reproduces through typical conifer cones.

Detailed Traits of Norway spruce 'Nidiformis'

Leaf Features

The leaves of norway spruce 'Nidiformis' are arranged in horizontal layers, displaying a dark, dull gray-green hue. They are thin and slightly curved, densely crowding the branches. Each leaf measures about 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm) in length. The texture is somewhat rigid, enhancing their slightly curved form. Veins are subtle, emphasizing the leaf's slender and distinct needle-like structure, crucial for identification of norway spruce 'Nidiformis'.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Norway spruce 'Nidiformis' does not produce flowers as it is a non-flowering plant. Instead, it reproduces through cones typical of coniferous species.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of norway spruce 'Nidiformis' is a pendulous cone that hangs downward from the branches. It is typically brown and woody in texture, providing protection for the seeds contained within. The cones can measure around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length and approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) in width. These cones have overlapping scales that are tightly packed together, which open up to release seeds when the cone matures and dries. Each scale has a subtle, rounded wavy edge. The cones are a key feature that aid in the identification of norway spruce 'Nidiformis'.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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