The Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a large, fast-growing evergreen conifer belonging to the pine family, Pinaceae. Native to the mountains of Northern and Central Europe, it is one of the most widely planted spruces worldwide. This species is highly valued in commercial forestry for its wood and as a landscape specimen due to its striking, symmetrical form. It is also recognized as a preferred species for use as a Christmas tree.
Overall Form and Mature Size
The Norway Spruce exhibits a dense pyramidal or conical outline when young, maintaining a straight central leader throughout its life. This uniform, symmetrical shape is characteristic of the species in open settings. As the tree matures, it typically attains heights ranging from 100 to 150 feet, with a spread of 25 to 45 feet. Some specimens in the wild can reach up to 200 feet.
The distinctive feature of a mature Norway Spruce is its specialized branching habit, known as “weeping” or pendulous branchlets. The main lateral branches grow outward, but the secondary branchlets hang downward like draped ropes. This cascading effect gives older trees a unique, shaggy appearance that differentiates it from other upright-branching spruces. The fast growth rate, sometimes exceeding two to three feet per year when young, contributes to its popularity for large landscapes and windbreaks.
Detailed Look at the Needles
The foliage consists of stiff, sharp needles that are medium to dark green. These needles are relatively short, typically measuring between one-half and one inch in length. A key identifying feature is the needle’s cross-section, which is four-sided or quadrangular, meaning the needle can be easily rolled between the fingers.
Each needle is attached to the twig via a small, peg-like woody base called a pulvinus or sterigma. This structure remains on the twig after the needle drops, leaving the branchlets notably rough to the touch. The needles are arranged spirally around the twig, persisting for several years before shedding, ensuring the tree remains evergreen.
The Unique Appearance of Norway Spruce Cones
The reproductive structures of the Norway Spruce are a definitive feature for identification among the spruce genus. The female cones are strikingly large and elongated, holding the distinction of being the longest cones of any spruce species, typically measuring between four and seven inches long. Their cylindrical shape is slender, often appearing disproportionately long compared to the cones of other spruces.
When they first form, the cones are purplish-green or deep purple and grow upright on the branches. Upon reaching maturity, they transition to a light brown or reddish-brown, woody texture and become pendulous, hanging downward. The scales covering the cone are thin, stiff, and leathery, often possessing a slightly wavy or jagged margin at the tip. These mature cones drop whole from the tree, unlike the cones of firs, which disintegrate while still attached.
Bark and Trunk Characteristics
The trunk of the Norway Spruce typically grows straight and columnar, forming a substantial base for the canopy of a mature tree. A large, old specimen can achieve a trunk diameter of over three feet. The bark appearance changes significantly as the tree ages.
On young trees, the bark is relatively thin and smooth, exhibiting a coppery grey-brown color with fine, papery scales. As the tree matures, the bark thickens and develops a rougher texture. It transforms into a grayish-brown or reddish-brown, breaking into scaly, irregularly shaped plates that often flake off.