Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a large conical Spruce tree. The branches on older trees tend to weep.
Pronunciation
(PY-see-uh)(A-bees)
Plant Type
Trees Coniferous
Hardiness Zone
3
Sunlight
full
Moisture
average to moist
Soil & Site
average, moist well drained
Fruit
4-6 inch long cones with wedge-shaped ragged scales, scales over lap (imbricate)
Leaves
mostly diamond shaped green needles, sharp pointed, 1/2-1 inch long, each needle is borne on a raised woody peg called a sterigma, spirally arranged around stem
Stems
old stems have grayish brown or dark purple bark
Dimensions
conical form, can read over 100 feet in native sites, 40-60 feet in landscapes, strongly pyramidal, primary branches are slightly upturned but secondary branches become pendulous as the tree matures
Propagation
seeds
Misc Facts
The roots are shallow rooted on poorly drained soils and subject to wind fall. Where I grew up, it was common to see wind blown down trees, laying flat on the ground with a large patch of roots and soil turned 45 degrees at the base.
Author's Notes
The primary branches are slightly upturned but secondary branches become pendulous as the tree matures. I find this an easy way to recognize this tree. This a very distinct form.
Notes & Reference
#184-Michigan Trees (Burton V. Barnes, Warren H. Wagner), #181-Native Trees for North American Landscapes (Guy Sternberg), #144-Missouri Botanical Gardens web site (www.missouribotanicalgarden.org)