Norway Spruce Trees
The Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a species of spruce native to Europe. It is also commonly referred to as the European Spruce. The Norway Spruce is a large evergreen coniferous tree which grows aproxiatly 115–180 ft tall. The shoots are orange-brown and glabrous (hairless). The leaves are needle-like, quadrangular in cross-section (not flattened), and dark green on all four sides with inconspicuous stomatal lines. The cones are the longest of any spruce, and have blunt triangular-pointed scale tips. They are green or reddish, maturing brown 5–7 months after pollination.
The Norway Spruce hybridises extensively with the Siberian Spruce, therefore pure specimens are rare. Hybrids are commonly known as Norwegian Spruce, which should not be confused with the pure species that is the Norway Spruce. In North America, the Norway Spruce is widely planted, specifically in the northeastern, Pacific Coast, and Rocky Mountain states, as well as in southeastern Canada. There are naturalized populations of The Norway Spruce occurring from Connecticut to Michigan, and it is probable that they occur elsewhere. The tallest measured Norway Spruce is 207 ft tall, is located in Perucica Virgin Forest, Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Commercial Uses
The Norway Spruce is one of the most widely planted spruces, both in and outside of its native range, and one of the most economically important coniferous species in Europe. It is used in forestry for timber and paper production, and as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It is esteemed as a source of tonewood and is also widely planted for use as a Christmas tree.
Every Christmas, the Norwegian capital city, Oslo, provides the cities of New York, London (the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree), Edinburgh and Washington D.C. with a Norway Spruce, which is placed at the most central square of each city. This is mainly a sign of gratitude for the aid these countries gave during the Second World War.
Reccomended Growing Conditions
Plan carefully and allow plenty of space for your Norway Spruce because this graceful tree can grow to be 25 feet wide and in excess of 80 feet tall. Smaller varieties are available, suitable for the small yard or urban landscape. The Norway Spruce doesn’t do well in hot, dry climates, but it’s hardy enough to withstand sub-zero temperatures, making it a good choice for northern climates.
The Norway Spruce tolerates acidic soils well, but does not do well on dry or deficient soils. Fertilize the Norway Spruce with a slow release granular fertilizer once per month. During times of drought, additional watering may be needed and should be planted 6 weeks before the first frost. In areas of deer population, protect your Spruce by using a cage during the first few months of plantation.
Please note, the Norway Spruce cone scales are used as food by the caterpillars of the tortrix moth Cydia illutana, while C. duplicana feeds on the bark around injuries or canker.; so be sure to check your Spruce regularly for signs of pests.
