37 White Spruce -two together
Image of the Tree You are Viewing
Basic Information about this tree
- Scientific Name: Picea Glauca
- Common Names: White Spruce, Canada Spruce, Skunk Spruce, Cat Spruce, Single Spruce, Western White Spruce
- Native to northern United States and into Canada.
- Evergreen
- Image of the tree you are viewing: GPS Longitude 92.90195 Latitude 45.00320
- Condition and age guess of the tree you are viewing: Good, less than 5 years old.
Branch Structure: An evergreen conifer having a broad, dense pyramidal form when young, becoming narrow, compact and symmetrical with ascending branches with age.
Typical height and width at maturity: 40-60 ft tall by 10-20 ft wide
Typical longevity: 100-250 years
Soil, water, sunlight preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It will tolerate alkaline and clay soil. Tolerates some light shade. It best performs in cold winter climates with cool summers. - Flowering pattern: Male and female flowers are cone like structures called strobili, both borne on the same tree at or near the tips of one year old branches.
- Growth habit of roots: shallow, spreading root systems that form a plate-like structure whicht supports the tree in the soil.
Mature Tree
Needles
The needles are pungently aromatic when crushed. Needles have a glaucous, white waxy coating, hence the species name and common name.
Flowers - Female & Male on same tree
Female strobili are purple, erect when young, about ½ to 5/8 inch long, elliptical to barrel shaped. Male strobili are oblong-elliptic, 1/3 to just over ½ inch long, initially purplish and erect, turning yellowish-brown, hanging down on a short stalk and withering away soon after releasing pollen.
Cones Unripe / Ripe
The cones develop from the female strobili, which are purplish as formed and turn green after fertilization, then brown as they mature. The flaps open to release the seeds.
Bark of Mature Tree / root system sketch
White spruce trees (Picea glauca) typically have shallow, spreading root systems that form a plate-like structure that supports the tree in the soil. However, the depth of the roots can vary depending on the site conditions, especially if the water table is high.
Uses in Traditional and Modern Eras
Value for wildlife: The white spruce is used by birds and mammals as a food source and habitat. Its foliage and twigs are eaten by white-tailed deer.
Utility for Humans: It is most commonly used as a windbreak or a specimen tree in yards or parks. This tree is one of the most tolerant of the spruces. White spruce does well in a wide range of conditions. It does best in full sun but, will tolerate partial shade. This tree is easily planted with little transplant shock and it makes a great addition to most landscapes. There are many different cultivars of white spruce that will undoubtedly suit the requirements of the site. The wood of white spruce is used primarily for pulpwood and lumber for various construction, prefab houses, mobile homes, furniture, boxes and crates, and pallets. It also is used for house logs, musical instruments, and paddles.
Homeowner’s Corner: Can experience some cankers, root rots, and needle cast diseases. Possible pests are bagworm, sawfly, and needle miners. It is one of the hosts for eastern spruce gall adelgids. There are no serious insect or disease issues. Does not perform well in an area affected by pollution or salt spray but it is one of the most tolerant spruces for wind, heat, cold, drought, and crowding. Site in areas with good air circulation to help rid the dense foliage of moisture. Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It will tolerate alkaline and clay soil. Tolerates some light shade. It best performs in cold winter climates with cool summers. Somewhat intolerant of urban stresses such as air pollutants and salt spray.