Black Spruce Data Sheet

Common name: Black spruce
Latin name: Picea Mariana
Genus: Picea
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Type: Evergreen
Hardiness: Zone 2–5
Conservation status: Least concern

Black Spruce Info

The Black spruce is a fairly small evergreen tree native to the Arctic territories of Russia, Alaska and Canada.

It can grow up to 15 m (50 ft) tall. Trunk diameter can exceed half a meter.

The leaves are needle-like and 15 mm long. Pine cones are small, conical, 50 mm long and hang from branches rather than sitting on the branches in an upright position.

This is a seldom-used tree for landscape use despite the fact it does not grow too large.

This species can live for 180 years.

Growth Habit

Black spruce shoot growth usually starts in February and continues until September. Yearly height increases of 0.4–0.8 ft are common beyond season 4.

These were sown this year. Plants are small at between than 1 - 2 inches tall.

Saplings are in pots. I recommend they are separated into their own 4" pots when you receive them. Growth rate is medium. Plants can be kept in a cool conservatory, windowsill or outside over the winter months.

Fully hardy off to minus 18°C or colder come autumn.

Care Instructions

Keep free from competing weeds and never allow to completely dry out. Water logging should also be avoided. Trees will perform best raised outdoors in full sunny position. The growth rate is medium and will soon need re-potting to beyond a 10" pot. Once the trees reach around 1 ft high they can be set in their final planting position.

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