Norway Spruce
Picea abies · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Conifer, Ornamental, Windbreak, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type; Picea abies (L.) Karst.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7. Extremely cold-hardy; thrives in cooler climates and struggles in high heat/humidity of the deep South.
About This Tree
A large, fast-growing evergreen conifer with a strong central leader. It features a pyramidal form when young, developing into a pendulous, weeping habit at maturity with branches that gracefully droop. It has a dense crown and is frequently used for windbreaks due to its hardiness and fast growth.
Leaf Characteristics
Needle-like foliage, roughly 0.5 to 1 inch long. Needles are stiff, pointed, and four-sided (can be rolled between fingers). Color is a dark green. Arrangement is spiral, but they tend to point forward on the twig.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown to reddish-brown; young bark is relatively smooth with small scales, maturing into thick, furrowed, and scaly plates as the tree ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe; widely naturalized in North America and used extensively in the Northeast and Midwest US.
Growing Season
Perennial evergreen; new growth flashes bright green in spring (May/June). Does not go dormant in the sense of losing leaves, but biological activity slows in winter. Best planted in early spring or late fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (preferred) to Partial Shade. Requires moderate water; prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils but is famously adaptable to various soil types. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Height of 40-60 feet (up to 100+ in ideal forest conditions), spread of 25-30 feet. Growth rate is fast, often exceeding 2 feet per year when young. Lifespan typically 150-200 years.
Special Characteristics
Notable for its large, cigar-shaped cones (4-7 inches long) which are the largest of the spruces. Highly valued for timber (musical instruments and paper), Christmas trees, and superior windbreak performance. High salt and pollution tolerance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides excellent year-round thermal cover for birds (owls, hawks) and small mammals. Seeds within cones are a food source for squirrels, crossbills, and nuthatches. Not a major larval host in North America but supports various forest micro-ecosystems.