Norway Spruce
Picea abies · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Conifer and Landscape Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 7, demonstrating high tolerance to cold northern climates.
About This Tree
A large, fast-growing evergreen conifer featuring a pyramidal form with spreading branches that often droop at the tips as the tree matures. The crown is dense when young but can become more open with age. Abundant pendulous cones adorn the upper branches.
Leaf Characteristics
Needle-like leaves that are stiff, dark green, four-sided in cross-section, about 0.5 to 1 inch long, and persist for several years before shedding.
Bark Characteristics
Greyish-brown to reddish-brown bark that exfoliates in thin scales or small plates as the tree matures, becoming somewhat rougher and furrowed on older trunks.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to northern, central, and eastern Europe; widely planted across North America and temperate regions globally.
Growing Season
Evergreen year-round with active twig and needle growth occurring primarily in late spring and early summer. Cones mature in autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates occasional drought once established.
Mature Size
Expect a mature height of 40 to 60 feet or more in landscape settings (taller in native forests), with a spread of 25 to 30 feet. Growth rate is medium to fast.
Special Characteristics
Highly adaptable, excellent windbreak and screen tree, highly resilient against wind and snow loads, and widely used for timber and forestry.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides excellent year-round cover, nesting sites, and protection for birds and small mammals. Conifer seeds are consumed by various finches, squirrels, and other wildlife.