Weeping White Spruce
Picea glauca 'Pendula' · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Conifer, Specimen Tree
Variety / Cultivar
'Pendula'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-8; extremely cold-hardy, adapting well to frigid northern climates.
About This Tree
An elegant, narrowly upright evergreen with a distinctive weeping habit. It features a strong central leader with secondary branches that drape vertically, creating a 'skirted' or 'narrow column' effect. This sculptural form makes it a popular focal point in landscape design.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, needle-like foliage, roughly 1/2 to 3/4 inches long. Needles are sharp-pointed and blue-green to grayish-green in color with a glaucous (waxy) bloom. They are spirally arranged around the downward-hanging branchlets.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown to silvery-gray; thin and scaly on young trees, developing more pronounced rounded scales or plates as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to northern North America (Canada and northern US); cultivar selected for landscape use.
Growing Season
Evergreen with year-round foliage. New growth typically emerges in late spring/early summer. Dormant during winter months. Best planted in early spring or fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun is preferred for best density. Requires moderate watering; prefers moist, well-drained soils. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but dislikes extreme heat and humidity.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in height with a narrow spread of only 4 to 10 feet. Growth rate is moderate (about 1 foot per year). Can live 50 to 100+ years.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional cold hardiness; deer resistant; salt tolerant; unique weeping habit provides high ornamental value. Often used in tight spaces due to its narrow footprint.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides year-round cover and nesting sites for songbirds. Small cones (if produced) provide seeds for birds and small mammals. Highly valued for structural diversity in garden ecosystems.