White spruce - Picea glauca (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

White spruce

Also known as: Canadian spruce

White spruce (Picea glauca) is a tree native to North America and growing widely throughout Alaska and Canada. White spruce is the symbolic tree of Canada's Manitoba province and the state of South Dakota in the United States. Commercially, its wood is used to make paper and materials for construction projects. This tree can be grown as a bonsai.

Scientific classification

Species

White spruce (Picea glauca)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

15 m to 40 m

Plant Height

1.5 m to 2.5 m

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

4 cm to 6 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Red, Yellow, Green, Brown, Orange, Burgundy, Gold

Flower Color

Green, Blue

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of White spruce

Attributes of White spruce

Growth Rate

White spruce's growth speed is slow, particularly becoming evident during summer, its active growing season. The limited growth speed results in incremental height gain and leaf production, displaying a seasonal rhythm of calculated development. Interestingly, despite its slow-growing nature, white spruce maintains resilience to environmental stressors, symbolizing quintessential adaptation. However, a milder growth speed is observed in other seasons compared to summer.

Distribution of White spruce

Distribution Map

White spruce is a cold-loving tree native to the riversides and uplands of the northern US and Canada. It also grows as an introduced species in Iceland, Norway, Finland and Austria.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods, along streams and lakes, rocky hills, slopes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

White spruce is an evergreen conifer that has attractive year-round needles that offer good ornamental appeal. This tree doesn't thrive in polluted urban environments and salty coastal conditions, so it is best suited to rural inland plantings in large ornamental gardens and parks. This is a tall tree that needs lots of space, so it makes a good specimen tree and can also be grown as a windbreak because of its dense foliage. White spruce pairs well with hydrangeas and ornamental grasses.

Symbolism

Eternal life, resilience, strength

Interesting Facts

A cold tolerant tree, the white spruce has a wide geographic range. Historically used by Native Americans for culinary as well as medicinal practices, it was often utilized for construction, fuel and recreation. A common source in modern day construction, the white spruce is an abundant species that has provided food and shelter for centuries.

Name Story

White spruce: The genus name, Picea is reportedly derived from the latin word pix meaning pitch which is in reference to the sticky resin typically found in spruce bark. Its specific epithet is in reference to the fact that the mature needles of this tree become glaucous with age. Also, the white flowers give rise to the name white spruce.

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Cultivars

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

White spruce 'J.W. Daisy's White'White spruce 'Conica'

Quickly Identify White spruce

4-sided needles, blue-green above and blue-white below, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long.

Distinctive odor when disturbed, resembling skunk or cat urine.

Inconspicuous male flowers are reddish, female flowers greenish, 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm).

Thin, scaly trunk bark peels in circular plates, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter.

Needles have a fine texture, firm and needle-like, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal.

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Care Guide for White spruce

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: White spruce thrives in cold, boreal climates with moderate moisture and prefers consistent humidity. Watering should occur every 1-2 weeks, especially during growth cycles. It is typically grown outdoors and requires careful attention to soil moisture for optimal health.

Fertilize: For white spruce, apply balanced fertilizers biannually in spring and late summer, adjusting for size. Young white spruce need more frequent feeding. Use slow-release formulations and water thoroughly after fertilization to enhance absorption and minimize root burn.

Pruning: White spruce is an evergreen conifer with a pyramidal shape and blue-green needles. Prune in winter while dormant to minimize sap loss. Remove damaged branches first, then thin out overcrowded ones to enhance air circulation and light penetration, promoting healthier growth and maintaining natural form.

Propagation: Propagation of white spruce is typically achieved through semi-hardwood cuttings treated with rooting hormones. Utilize healthy parent trees and plant in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with high humidity and indirect light. Careful handling during the rooting process increases the chances of successful growth.

Repotting: Repot white spruce every 2-3 years in early spring using a larger container with good drainage. Maintain consistently moist soil and ample sunlight post-repotting. Handle white spruce delicately to prevent root disruption during the process.

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