Black Spruce

Picea mariana Pinaceae

Other names

Double Spruce, Bog Spruce

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Labrador to AK South to WI and MI and in the Mnts. of Va

Location

Houston and Grossman Ponds, Comstock Knoll and Rhododendron Collection

Source of plant

USFS, Ottowa National Forest, Alpha Nurseries Inc., Hicks' Nursery, University of Guelph Arboretum, F. Robert Wesley

Description

A small to medium-sized tree which reaches 30' to 40' in height and develops a limited spread. The habit is distinctly conical and spire-like. The needles are 4-sided, dull bluish-green, more or less glaucous, 1/4" to 1/2" long. The cones are thin, flaky, grayish-brown to reddish-brown scales, 1/4" to 1/2" thick; freshly exposed inner scales are somewhat olive-green.

USDA Hardiness Zone

2

Special characteristics

winter interest