All Rights Reserved. It is not a tree for smaller yards. 3. Genus Picea are evergreen trees with rigid, needle-like leaves arranged singly all round the shoots, and narrow, leathery-scaled cones borne near the ends of the shoots . It is used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Best planted in full sun. A tree that is infected should receive adequate water and fertilizer to help strengthen it to combat the disease. Within the Bavarian forest of Germany, the oldest living Norway spruce tree is believed to have grown. The tree is grown and used for the production of both pulp and lumber. For most of the common spruces (Blue spruce, Norway spruce, White spruce), you can expect 150 - 200 year lifespan on average - though some have lived far longer - 800 or 900 years is not unheard of. Norway spruce trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. The Norway spruce tree is one of the fastest growing varieties of evergreens, and only takes about … Characteristics. Trees that are between 10 to 20 years old are more likely to be affected. She has traveled extensively to such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing and knowledge base. In its northeastern range in Europe, the tree has undergone hybridisation with several other species. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Norway spruce is a tall evergreen tree growing to heights of 40 to 60 feet. Details P. abies is a fast-growing, dense conifer, to 30m tall, narrowly-conical when young becoming broader with age. In its native range, trees typically remain vigorous for about 200 years, and can live 300-400 years in the far north. Norway Spruce Care . Bushy and full shape from top to bottom. Most suited to outdoor environments. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. I'm sure you saw the recent negative media coverage of the Norwegian tree gifted to London. The tree got its unusual name because of the special bright cones of a bright red color, which are formed at the tips of the branches. Widely planted as a specimen tree, the Norway spruce grows well in a variety of conditions and enjoys a long lifespan in numerous types of landscape. Although the disease rarely kills the tree, it does weaken it, which results in a shorter lifespan. It has been widely planted in cool and temperate regions of North American where it typically … A splendiferous, flowing, and non-flowering conifer, which if trained in the early years, can be left alone for the rest of its life; we are referring to the ever famous and striking Norway spruce. It does require abundant water and prefers moist soil for adequate growth. The cones are symmetrical in appearance and measure approximately 7 inches in length Throughout the tree's life it develops scaly bark that becomes more speckled with resin that often drips down the trunk. Good seed crops are produced every 3 to 4 years in Britain, 8 to 10 years in Norway, and 12 to 13 years in Finland [ 42 , 87 ]. The cycles of climatic changes have spurred the tree to adapt over the centuries to endure and survive in extremely harsh climates. The tree grows best and enjoys the longest lifespan in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 to 7 and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/nor_spruce.html, http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/picabia.pdf, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/spruce-tree-reproduction-seeds-44386.html, https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/norway-spruce. The number of the tree’s synonym crosses 150. Cut or damaged trees do not resprout from stumps or roots. It looks sweet as a seedling, and is often placed too close to a house by those who don't know that it can reach a height of 60 feet or more in its long life span. Picea abies, commonly called Norway spruce, is a large pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountains of northern and central Europe east to the Urals.In its native European habitat, it typically matures to 100-150' (occasionally to 200') tall. Norway Spruce is commonly planted and beginning to escape into natural areas. The Sitka Spruce has pale brown, domed cones that are shorter (10cm long) than those of the Norway Spruce (15-20cm long). Over the course of several years, the disease progresses upward, affecting more limbs. Year after year their favorite is the Norway Spruce. One of the most widely used landscape ornamental trees in North America, the Norway spruce (Picea abies) grows to a height of 80 feet with a spread of up to 40 feet. Lifespan: 200 years; Height: A conically shaped tree that grows up to 40 metres in height. see more; Family Pinaceae . However, if they're transplanted, planted in inadequate conditions or don't receive proper care, their health can become compromised. The Most Common Types of Spruce Trees Norway Spruce (Picea abies) This tree, as the name tells us, comes from northern Europe, and it is a fast-growing tree, with green needles. Planting a Norway spruce is easy because it competes well with grass and weeds and requires no site preparation. Siberian spruce is known to be its subspecies but scientists are researching about it as the two trees are extremely similar. There is even a documented case of a Norway Spruce that is thought to be 9,950 years … In North America, however, trees rarely reach 200 years of age. Its scientific name ‘abies’ means ‘fir-like’ in Latin. Every Christmas, the Norwegian capital city, Oslo, provides the cities of London (the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree), Edinburgh and Washington D.C. with a Norway spruce, which is placed at the m… Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. They look for the largest, most beautiful tree they can find. Cut off dead or yellowing, diseased branches with a hand pruners, making a crisp one-motion cut 1/4-inch above a lower branch junction or in the middle of the stem among live … They are typically 10-15cm in length and are light brown in colour. Within the Bavarian forest of Germany, the oldest living Norway spruce tree is believed to have grown. Old Tjikko, a clone of Norway spruce is believed to be 9, 550 years old, being the oldest living tree in the world. It was brought into the United States for use as an ornamental landscape tree. Stradivarius is reported to have recycled old ship oars for the Norway spruce wood that he used in the manufacture of his violins, according to the Nebraska Forest Service. Dec 18, 2019 - The Norway spruce is a large, fast-growing evergreen coniferous tree found throughout the forests of southern and eastern Norway. A monoecious tree, the Norway spruce has the capability of self-pollination by producing both male and female flowers, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. You’ll want to be careful if you decide to use spruce firewood indoors in a fireplace. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. Cytospora canker, a disease caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei, afflicts Norway spruce trees that are older then 15 or 20 years. Site suitability can vary wildly depending on if you choose a native Norway spruce or a cultivar. Cytospora canker, a disease caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei, afflicts Norway spruce trees that are older then 15 or 20 years. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Norway Spruce, Ohio State University: Cytospora Canker of Spruce. The tree's lower limbs show the first signs of disease: needles turn brown and fall from the tree. RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : Phanerophyte REGENERATION PROCESSES : Sexual reproduction: Norway spruce usually first reproduces at 30 to 40 years of age. Once established, the tree is only moderately drought tolerant. Because of its potential size, Norway spruce is often used as a windbreak, screen or large hedge in large-scale landscapes. 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. Norway Spruce is the fastest growing spruce we carry but it's not as dense as other spruce trees. There are approximately 120 cultivars of the tree, according to Floridata. 2. It can be used as a screen or specimen plant. A Norway spruce named Old Tjikko is the oldest clonal tree, having an age of 9,550 years. This tree grew in Eurasia, the Black Forest and other parts of the continent long before making its way to Norway around 500 B.C. And while this species does grow in Norway, the name is a bit of a misnomer. She writes for numerous online publications. The native range of Norway Spruce is central and northern Europe. It also has a tendency to cause creosote buildup in chimneys and stoves, so make sure you only burn seasoned wood to lower your risk of an accidental fire. Your email address will not be published. Infected branches cannot be saved. As the tree ages, the upper canopy becomes flat and slightly irregular. 4. Norway spruce belongs to the scientific genus Picea and is a member of the pine family (Pinaceae). Cytospora canker, a disease caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei, afflicts Norway spruce trees that are older then 15 or 20 years. Although the disease rarely kills the tree, it does weaken it, which results in a shorter lifespan. It is escaping throughout Michigan. Norway spruce trees are a common form of evergreen tree that can grow in many different regions. In a few areas it has escaped cultivation and grows on adjacent lots, but it is not considered to be invasive. Over the tree's lifespan it grows into a large pyramidal shape. White Spruce produces cones that are 1-2 inches, Colorado Blue Spruce produces cones that are 2-4 inches, and Norway Spruce cones are 4-7 inches. The European spruce bark beetle has a significant impact on both the ecological and economic environment of Norway spruce forests. It is a classic evergreen tree for large spaces. One of the most widely used landscape ornamental trees in North America, the Norway spruce (Picea abies) grows to a height of 80 feet with a spread of up to 40 feet. It's the most dominant tree in Norwegian forests, althou… Rich, deep scented branches. Spruce firewood burns hot and fast, popping and throwing lots of embers as it burns. If you ever struggle to determine what kind of spruce you are looking at, check the cones! After they become fertilized the cones point downward and eventually fall to the ground. Interesting Facts. The branchlets droop and its cones are large, approximately 130mm (5 inch) long. The tree is grown and used for the production of both pulp and lumber. The tallest tree ever used was a 100-foot Norway Spruce from Killingworth, Conn. in 1948. It tolerates a range of soil types but prefers that soild is well-draining, in a slightly acidic pH range. The very shallow, spreading root system benefits from a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture. This hardy, adaptable tree thrives in moist conditions, but will grow in clay or sandy soils. Infected branches cannot be saved. Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. This very large pyramidal tree with stiff, dark needles and graceful, pendulous branches is good for large yards. Old trees are very recognizable by the long, weeping branches hanging from the main horizontal limbs. Thin, spiky needles. Growing a Norway spruce is relatively easy if you choose an acceptable site. Required fields are marked *. All rights reserved. Norway spruce also makes a good roosting tree for hawks and owls. Bark: The Norway spruce has … The Norway spruce is a beautiful ornamental tree species. Leaves: Its needles are pointed, mid-green, and stand on tiny pegs. © 2021 (Coniferous Forest). Does poorly in shade conditions. Look over the entire tree, focusing on any dead or damaged branches that need full removal. Article was last reviewed on 26th December 2019. It is also widely planted for use as a Christmas tree. Each year the Rockefeller Center in New York City uses a large Norway spruce as its traditional Christmas tree. This hardy, adaptable tree thrives in moist conditions, but will grow in clay or sandy soils. Unfertilized Norway spruce cones point upward. Some may need a wide open space, for others you could plant in wide open areas, as part of foundation planting, in a container, or even in a rock garden. A monoecious tree, the Norway spruce has the capability of self-pollination by producing both male and female flowers, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Clay or sandy soils tree was reported to be one of the Norway spruce is a bit of a.. Hawks and owls places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing has a focus... 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