Dwarf Alberta spruce shrubs have a “Christmas tree” shape. Norway Spruce - This is a hardy, deep green fast growing spruce. Black spruce is a slow-growing, small evergreen coniferous tree. It reaches 10-12 ft. (3-4 m) and has conical shape with time. Apart from their enormous height, you can identify Sitka spruce trees by their sharp needle-like leaves that are about 1” (2.5 cm) long. For example, the Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) can reach the dizzy heights of more than 330 ft. (100 m) tall. Caucasian spruce identification is by its short needles—only measuring 0.3” (8 mm) long. A grayish-brown, thin scaly bark covers the trunk. The Fraser Fir is another common choice for those looking for a high-quality … In this article, you will learn about the most popular types of spruce trees. If you want an unusual specimen, look for the "Inversa" cultivar, a dwarf weeping variety that is a definite eye-catcher. Confusingly, it is also called the yellow spruce, a name inspired by the light-yellow wood of the tree. By Sara Malone in Conifer Experiences and Editor's Blog October 24, 2018. The little spruce tree is slow-growing type of spruce. However spruce trees have individual needles growing on the branches. Some have considered it to be a subspecies of the white spruce. Pendulous branches and spiky green foliage identify this species of weeping tree. This would be an excellent choice for a specimen tree in your garden—the weeping form really makes it stand out. The long slender cones add red and purple colors to the emerald-green foliage in the spring. The native Colorado blue spruce and its natural variant, Colorado blue spruce Glauca (P. pungens var. The white spruce is sometimes sold as a Christmas tree. Also known as the Colorado blue spruce, this beautiful species may hail from the Rocky Mountains, but it's found … You can also grow this species of spruce as a plant for groundcover in full sun. You can identify Norway spruce tree by its pyramidal shape and upward growing branches. It can be over 300 feet in the wild, with the largest recorded specimen reaching 318 feet. For your garden—large or small—dwarf spruce trees and low shrubs are ideal for growing as specimen trees or as an evergreen hedge. Red spruce forest (view from the top of the observation tower on Spruce Knob, West Virginia). If you’re looking for a weeping spruce tree for small to large gardens, the weeping Colorado spruce cultivar ‘The Blues’ is an excellent choice. To use the spruce in landscape gardens, look for varieties called ‘Barnes’ or ‘Nana.’. Also named the West Virginia spruce or the yellow spruce, this species grows in high altitudes on the eastern coast of North America. Its species name, omorika, is the Serbian word for spruce. How to Grow and Maintain a Bird's Nest Spruce, Causes of Bare or Dead Branches on Colorado Blue Spruce Trees, 40 Species of Pines From Around the World, Growing Serbian Spruce in the Home Garden, Outdoor Christmas Decorations Using Trees and Foliage, The Difference Between Evergreens and Conifers. Blue spruce introduced into cultivation in 1862, and since then, the nurseries of different countries have been breeding a geometrically correct and hardy varieties-pyramids for urban greening and selection of all sorts of curiosities for private owners. Save For Later Videos Length: 00:07:09 The dwarf Norway shrub has foliage similar to the Norway spruce. Because of its beautiful dense blue-green foliage and majestic pyramidal form, Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) is a highly regarded evergreen tree for landscaping. Most species are large and imposing trees that can live for hundreds of years, and will add both character and shelter to your property – they make great windbreaks, for example. It is suited to USDA zones 2 through 5. After you’ve determined your growing zone, keep sunlight and watering needs in mind for your Spruce Trees. Norway spruces have a distinct pyramidal shape with soft green needles that have blunted tips. Learn how to identify types of spruce trees, symptoms of two common fungal diseases, and what if any treatments are available. On the right: Weeping Colorado spruce ‘The Blues’ is a dwarf evergreen cold hardy tree. White spruce trees are native to North America and thrive in the freezing conditions of Alaskan and Canadian winters. The weeping Norway spruce is an elegant spruce tree with drooping branches. Another notable characteristic for identification is that, unlike the fascicles (or clustering needles) of pine trees, each pulvinus holds only one spruce needle. Right image: Weeping Serbian spruce Picea omorika ‘Pendula’. If you would like a small version of this for your garden, look for the "Nana'" cultivar, which is a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Other common spruce trees for gardens are the Alberta spruce, White spruce, and Engelmann’s Spruce. As its scientific name suggests, this is a Norway spruce cultivar. A six-foot tree can easily grow to a twelve-fourteen foot tree in proper growing conditions in just five years. This tree works well as a specimen conifer. The dwarf Norway spruce ‘Pumila’ is more of a low-growing shrub than a small evergreen tree. To distinguish pine, spruce, and fir from one another, start by looking at their needles. Norway spruces grow to between 115 and 180 ft. (35 – 55 m) tall. Picea sitchensis is the largest among all the spruce types. These trees can live for hundreds of years. This spruce shrub is easily recognizable by its oval, cushion-like shape and compact nature. The bush has a rounded growth habit that is formed by short spiky branches. The Caucasian spruce can l… The White Spruce is the northernmost growing tree in North America, and so it is unsurprising that it is also one of the hardiest types of conifer trees in the world. During outbreaks, high density snag patches may be created in certain forest types. On the other hand, pine trees branches have a downward growth habit and less dense foliage. Colorado blue spruces grow up to 75 ft. (23 m) in forests and up to 50 ft. (15 m) in garden landscapes. Unlike fir tree needles, which are flat, Spruce needles are square and roll easily. Scotch pine will keep its needles, even after becoming dry. This slow-growing spruce is not of any importance in the timber industry as its wood is soft and of poor quality. Picture of spruce needles. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. The dense foliage creates a stunning evergreen bush with a flat top. White spruce is extensively used in the timber industry. If you need a long-lasting tree, look no … The coarse blue-gray needles and stunted growth help identify the dwarf blue spruce. It is suited to USDA zones 2 through 5. If you need one that is shorter, available varieties include "Fat Albert," "Glauca Globosa," and "Glauca Jean's Dilly." It is a winner of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and is suited to USDA zones 5 through 8. As an immature tree, its pyramid shape makes it ideal as a Christmas tree. Priority should first be given to selecting an adequate planting location, or more suitably, an adequate plant for a chosen site. Problems arise when trees are planted in locations that the species is not well adapted to. Another way to identify spruce trees is by their cones that are covered with smooth thin scales. The pulvini are arranged in a whorl around the branch. Its growth rate is only 1” (2.5 cm) per year. A young pine (not a spruce!). Short, slender silver-green needles identify this low-growing shrub. The dwarf Alberta spruce has green needles, 3/4″ (7.5 cm) length, with sharp tips. Before trying to narrow down the species of … Types of Evergreen Trees – Spruce Norway Spruce (Picea abies) The Norway spruce is a fast growing cold hardy evergreen tree. The pulvinus, which resembles a peg, is left behind if a needle drops and is a telling sign identifying it as spruce. The bird’s nest spruce is a small shrub that is suitable for growing in containers or small gardens. The identification of the West Virginia spruce is by its gray-brown bark that is red on the inside. Picea orientalis ‘Early Gold’ (Early Gold Oriental Spruce) To most people, 'conifer' and 'pine tree' are synonymous. Its common name comes from the rounded, bushy growth that has an indentation in the middle—just like a bird’s nest. Bark: Gray and smooth with resin blisters on young trees; red-brown, very thick and deeply furrowed with broad, often corky ridges at maturity. It is suited to USDA zones 3 through 6. Engelmann spruces grow to an average of 100 ft. (30 m) tall. Let’s look at some excellent small spruce specimens. You can identify these medium-sized spruce trees by their cylindrical, narrow shape. Dwarf Norway spruce is a great choice for smaller garden landscape. Its seed cones are long and oblong-shaped. These flora commonly grow as tall as 125 to 180 feet in height. The maximum annual growth rate is up to 6” (15 cm). The Bird’s Nest Spruce is a dwarf, low-growing landscaping shrub for front or backyards. The dwarf white spruce is a low growing shrub with slow growth rate. Dwarf Alberta spruce shrubs, Norway spruce, White spruce, Serbian spruce, etc. Specific directions will vary, but knowing your growing zone is important. Leaves: Evergreen needles are to 1-inch long with bracts at the base. They are important as winter cover for deer and small game including grouse, hare and woodcock. It is only a fraction of the size of its larger cousin. You can identify white spruce trees by their scaly white bark, narrow cylindrical crown, and long needle-like leaves. He was on the search for a tree to plant in the front yard, and after a bit of hunting he found the one he wanted. You can identify this spruce by its silvery-gray foliage on this small pyramid-shaped dwarf tree. 11 Best Types of Christmas Trees for People Who Want the Real-Tree Smell in Their House These tree varieties offer a nice aroma, an easy clean … The weeping Norway spruce is an evergreen short tree suitable for cold areas. The blue spruce (left) makes a unique Christmas tree due to its blue-green-gray colored needles. The medium-sized tree grows to around 65 ft. (20 m) tall and has a pencil-like shape. The upright tree growth, bushy foliage, and conical shape make the dwarf Norway spruce excellent as a hedging plant, specimen tree, or foundation planting. For your garden landscape, look for the dwarf tree Picea omorika ‘Nana’ or the weeping spruce, Picea omorika ‘Pendula.’. The species name breweriana honors the tree's founder, William Henry Brewer. This slender, conical tree grows at high altitudes on the northeast coast of North America. There are about 35 species of Spruce known in the northern temperate and boreal (taiga) regions of earth. The dense foliage of these spruce trees makes them ideal for living privacy screens, windbreaks, or hedges. The Bird’s Nest Spruce is a dwarf, low-growing landscaping shrub for front or backyards. The birds nest spruce is a slow grower shrub with round shape and flat top. Song birds and fur bearers also frequent these forest types. Do You Know the Difference Between Evergreens and Conifers? This spruce is suited to USDA zones 2 through 8. You can also tell spruce trees apart from pine trees by looking at their shape. Spruce trees and shrubs are classified in the genus Picea, which includes 35 species. This spruce does well in droughts overall but does need regular watering in hot areas. However, compared to pine timber, spruce wood is a higher quality and more durable than most pine wood. Pink Flowering Almond (Prunus glandulosa) The pink flowering almond is a beautiful option, but the … The red spruce can be planted in areas that receive shade, and it should stay relatively cool and receive adequate moisture. As a small conifer, this species grows to between 15 and 50 ft. (5 – 15 m) tall. Grow in full sun, and the plant thrives in USDA zone 2 to 7. It is quite easy to bend the cones of spruce trees. Due to the hanging branches, it is also known as… Its yellow wood is used in construction and in making musical instruments. The needle leaves grow up to 1.1” (3 cm) long. Related: Ultimate Conifer Identification Guide: Pine, Fir, and Spruce with Pictures, Charts, and Names. The foliage has a blue-green appearance. Each needle is individually attached to the branch and can be rolled easily between your fingers. The perfect pyramid shape of the small red spruce makes the conifer ideal as a Christmas tree. Examining the Tree Look at the needles of the spruce. In their native habitat—the cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere—spruces live for over 200 years. It is hardy in zones 2-7, but it will not perform well in hot climates and thrives in zones 3 and 4. In these pictures: Caucasian spruce trees (left), and small cultivars ‘Barnes’ (center) and ‘Nana’ (right), The Oriental or Caucasian spruce is an ornamental tree with attractive light-green needle leaves. There is some rationale for this, as the pine family is the largest conifer family and what we call pines, firs and spruces are all pine family members. With the proper care, the weeping Norway spruce can grow to between 10 and 15 ft. (3 – 4.5 m) tall. One of the most popular dwarf conifers is the dwarf Norway spruce ‘Conica.’ The pyramidal-shaped tree has luscious green foliage made up of green needles. 10 Types of Spruce Trees Everyone Should Know. Dwarf Norway spruce can be identified by its densely packed, bright green foliage and conical shape. The needles produce aromatic scent when crushed. The main stem needs support, and then the branches will dangle down until they eventually reach the ground. Its round shape and flat top identify this low-growing spruce shrub. It is also often used in making stringed instruments because it resonates well. This miniature cultivar only grows a maximum of 4 ft. (1.2 m). Let’s look in more detail at how to identify the many types of majestic spruce trees. Blue spruce. It can tolerate some light shade and is suited to USDA zones 2 through 6. The foliage is dense with green needles and looks great as a privacy tree, hedging plant or specimen tree. Also called the Alberta White spruce, this coniferous species is an essential part of the timber industry, and its wood is used extensively in construction. We grew up in a very rural part of Pennsylvania, so when I say that my dad and I drove his pickup truck into the woods, I literally mean we drove his pickup truck into the woods.. The massive evergreen has a large, broad crown and few branches lower than 100 ft. (30 m). Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. The black spruce does well in wet areas and lives primarily in an environment called boreal forest or taiga. Like all species of blue spruce, this specimen has blue-gray foliage that stands out in any front or backyard. There are 35 species of spruce trees belonging to the genus Picea. The blue spruce, green spruce, white spruce, Colorado spruce, or Colorado blue spruce, with the Latin (scientific) name Picea pungens, is a species of spruce tree. The Engelmann spruce was named after George Engelmann, a botanist and physician. The Colorado blue spruce has blue needles in a range of shades. These are fast-growing conifers that can be used in landscaping to create large privacy hedges or a singular specimen tree. It will be shorter in cultivation, but make sure there is plenty of room in your landscape, as "shorter" can mean that it is over 100 feet tall. The spruce also has a … Glauca), can grow 50 to 80 feet in the landscape and even taller in the wild. It also tends to be seen in pots next to a front door. The botanical name—“pungens”—means “sharply pointed,” which refers to the short spiky needles. See more ideas about blue spruce, shrubs, conifers garden. Spruce trees are some of the tallest conifers that grow in evergreen forests. Information on Spruce Trees. The Fraser Fir Tree. Colorado Blue Spruce - Beautiful Spruce trees with stiff blue-to-blue green needles. Vanessa Richins Myers is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space. However, because its growth rate is about 5” (12 cm) per year, it will take a few years to reach maturity. The Sitka spruce is the largest spruce tree among the other 35 species in the genus Picea. Norway spruce trees support a wide variety of wildlife. It is able to withstand extreme winter temperatures as low as −70 °F. This shrub can work well in a container if you wish to have a small evergreen conifer on your patio, for example. Dwarf Alberta is a popular shrub, being a variety of the white spruce that grows in a conical shape. The species of Caucasian spruce grows to between 100 and 145 ft. (30 – 45 m) tall. The bark on the long, straight trunk is scaly and flakes off easily. However, dwarf and weeping spruce cultivars only reach a few feet. The spruce tree, genus Picea, is a common evergreen tree that grows in northern climates.Native to the North American continent, there are 35 different types of spruce trees around the world. Downward growth habit and less dense foliage of these spruce trees support a wide variety of the tree 's,... 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