Norway Spruce
Picea abies · Coniferous Evergreen
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen Conifer / Shade Tree / Windbreak
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (Picea abies)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2 through 7. Highly cold-tolerant and adaptable to various northern climates.
About This Tree
A large, fast-growing evergreen conifer with a distinct pyramidal shape. It is characterized by its pendulous (drooping) secondary branchlets that hang down from the primary horizontal branches as the tree matures, giving it a weeping, graceful appearance.
Leaf Characteristics
Needles are short (1/2 to 1 inch), square in cross-section (easy to roll between fingers), stiff, and sharp-pointed. They are deep green and arranged spirally around the twig.
Bark Characteristics
Young bark is reddish-brown and relatively smooth; mature bark becomes gray-brown and develops thick, flaky, shedding scales or plates.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Northern and Central Europe; widely naturalized in North America and used in forestry/landscaping.
Growing Season
Evergreen (retains foliage year-round). Bud break occurs in late spring; pollen is released in May. Most growth happens in spring and early summer.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun for best growth but can tolerate light shade. Requires moist, well-drained soil; has moderate drought tolerance once established but prefers consistent moisture.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 40-60 feet in landscape settings but can exceed 100 feet in the wild. Spread is usually 25-30 feet. Growth rate is fast for a conifer.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for windbreaks due to its density. Known for producing the largest cones of any spruce (4-7 inches long). Resistant to deer browsing and moderately tolerant of urban pollution.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical winter thermal cover for mammals and birds. The seeds within the large cones are a significant food source for squirrels and songbirds. Serves as a nesting site for hawks and various songbirds.