Red Spruce
Picea rubens
Pinaceae
Other names
He Balsam
Growth habit
Tree
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
Nova Scotia to the High Peaks of NC
Location
Comstock Knoll and Rhododendron Collection, Conifer Slope
Source of plant
F. Robert Wesley, Central Appalachin Spruce Restoration Initiative, Alpha Nurseries Inc., George Landis Arboretum
Description
Tree forming a broadly conical crown, reaching 60' to 70' under cultivation; can attain 160' under idealconditions in the wild. Needles, 4-sided, 1/2" to 5/8" long, acute, mucronulate, lustrous dark green. Cones green or purplish, maturing to reddish brown, ranging from 1 1/4" to 2" in length.
USDA Hardiness Zone
2
Special characteristics
winter interest