Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

The Norway spruce is a native of northern Europe and is also better known as the Christmas tree that is marketed in large quantities in December. It grows quickly and is extensively farmed professionally, not just as a Christmas crop but also for its wood, which is used for wood pulp and in the building sector. When it is young, it has a beautiful pyramidal shape, but as it ages, it gradually becomes more columnar. It has many large, thin cones on it.

Tree Attributes

Mature height: 40-60 feet
Soil preference: Acid soil, Alkaline soil
Wildlife: Birds, Moths, Small mammals
Site and soil: Does best in moist soils: – it will even tolerate waterlogged soil. Copes well with exposed sites, shade and acid soil.
Flower, seed and fruit:The flowers appear in May, the female flowers are pink, held upright on the branches, but gradually turning downwards as the cones develop.