Norway spruce - Picea abies (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Norway spruce

Also known as: Common spruce

The fastest-growing of all spruces, the norway spruce (Picea abies) makes for a good roosting spot for owls and hawks. Its wood is used for paper, construction lumber, and musical instruments, and its needles can be used to brew spruce beer. It is also a popular choice for Christmas trees.

Scientific classification

Species

Norway spruce (Picea abies)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid fall, Late fall

Harvest Time

30 m to 62 m

Plant Height

8 m to 9 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Red, Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Norway spruce

Distribution of Norway spruce

Distribution Map

Norway spruce is native to Europe and Scandinavia and loves mountainous habitats. It is naturalized in the eastern parts of Canada and the United States, Korea, Iceland, and parts of Australia. In some parts of the United States, it is reported as invasive, but not critically, as the tree takes so long to reach maturity and spread.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is an ornamental evergreen tree that grows well in well-drained acid or neutral soils. This tree is best suited to large gardens and landscapes because it grows up to 50 m and has quite a wide-spreading profile. It is a low-maintenance tree that gives year-round garden interest. For a great mix of colors and textures grow this tree with spirea, stonecrops, and butterfly bush.

Symbolism

Endurance, courage, protection, optimism, longevity

Interesting Facts

Norway spruce located on Fulufjället Mountain in Sweden. In popular culture, the tree is considered the oldest tree in the world, but, actually, Ol Tjikko is the oldest clone tree. The roots of this spruce are estimated to be 9,562 years old.

Name Story

Norway spruce: The plant is an evergreen conifer that spreads throughout most parts of the United States and Canada and is probably the most common spruce. Also, it is native to central and northern Europe, including Norway, so it is called Norway spruce.

Christmas tree: Its shape is conical, so it is also widely used as a Christmas tree. Every Christmas, the Norwegian capital provides Picea abies for London, Edinburgh and Washington. Basically, the Christmas tree in the most central square of each city is Picea abies. Hence, it is also called the Christmas tree.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Norway spruce, including the following common varieties :

Norway spruce 'Nidiformis'Norway spruce 'Tompa'Norway spruce 'Pumila'Norway spruce 'Little Gem'Norway spruce 'Pusch'Norway spruce 'Inversa'Norway spruce 'Acrocona'

Quickly Identify Norway spruce

Height: Reaches 40-60 feet (12-18 meters), towering over other plants.

Needled leaves: Dark green, glossy, stiff needles up to 1 inch long.

Male cones: Yellowish-brown, clustered, 0.4-0.8 inches long.

Female cones: Initially purple, turning green, pendulous, up to 6 inches long.

Bark texture: Thin, flaky scales developing into a thicker protective layer.

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Care Guide for Norway spruce

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from cool, moist European regions, norway spruce prefers regular hydration and thrives with watering every 1-2 weeks, keeping soil evenly moist. It suits outdoor climates, maintaining moisture through its evergreen nature, particularly in cooler environments.

Fertilize: Optimal fertilization is crucial for norway spruce's growth, best applied in spring with balanced fertilizers. Adjust amounts based on norway spruce's size, avoiding over-concentration to prevent root burn. Periodic soil testing helps tailor nutrients, and diluting fertilizer at norway spruce's drip line aids effective uptake.

Pruning: Norway spruce features a pyramidal shape and evergreen needles. Prune from early to late winter to remove dead wood and thin crowded areas for air circulation. Avoid cutting the main leader; trim side branches above healthy buds to maintain health and structure.

Propagation: Norway spruce can be propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy parent stock. Dipping cut ends in rooting hormone and planting in well-draining medium enhances rooting. Maintain moisture and warmth while preventing waterlogging. Gradually acclimatize rooted cuttings outdoors before transplanting.

Repotting: Repot norway spruce every 2-3 years in early spring to support its growth. Use a spacious container, provide well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering. Norway spruce prefers steady moisture and partial shade for recovery. A stake may help stabilize it after repotting.

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