Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO
Description
Size and Shape: White spruce is a medium to large-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 meters) or more. It has a conical or pyramidal shape with dense, ascending branches.
Needles: The needles of Picea glauca are needle-like and evergreen. They are arranged spirally on the branches and are usually bluish-green or grayish-green in color. Each needle is about 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.3 to 1.9 cm) long and has four sides, which helps differentiate it from other similar species.
Cones: The tree produces small, cylindrical cones that hang downward from the branches. The cones are typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches (3.8 to 6.4 cm) long and initially have a green or purplish color, which matures to light brown when ripe. The scales of the cones are flexible.
Bark: The bark of young white spruce trees is smooth and grayish-green, while in older trees, it becomes rough, thick, and scaly, ranging from gray to reddish-brown.
Branches and Twigs: The branches are slender, often slightly pendulous, and have a reddish-brown to grayish color. The twigs are slender, hairless, and have a slightly resinous aroma when crushed.
Habitat: Picea glauca is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including boreal forests, subalpine zones, and wetlands. It is adaptable to different soil types, including well-drained and acidic soils.
Distribution: The species has a wide distribution range, covering northern parts of North America, including Canada and Alaska, and extending into the northeastern United States.
Similar Species: Picea glauca may be confused with other spruce species, particularly with Picea mariana (black spruce) and Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce). Paying attention to needle length, cone characteristics, and habitat can help differentiate between these species.
Occurrence
The oldest and largest tree died in 2015. Many others planted in 1987/1988 are good sized trees today – primarily found around the main pine grove.