Norway Spruce

(Picea abies)

Interesting Information About Plant:

     Originally from Europe, the Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is found throughout much of the United States. According to the Royal Forestry Society, the tree gets its scientific name from two places. Picea comes from the Latin root pix, or the pith or resin produced from the tree, while abies comes from when the tree was originally classified as a fir.

     The Norway Spruce is generally used in landscaping, where it provides an excellent screen and windbreak. While initially the spruce was used for ornamental decoration, it is now most commonly grown in the United States for two purposes. During its younger years, the Picea abies is primarily cultivated for Christmas trees. If allowed to grow to full height and maturity, the tree is harvested for lumber. The most common products of the wood include paper pulp, boxes, crates, and even coffins. The bark is often used to make various forms of varnish and medical plasters. The leafy shoots of the spruce can be used to brew spruce beer.

     Various medicines have been made from the Norway Spruce. The resin contains chemicals that were developed into skin and healing ointments. In the past, a tea was made from the young shoots and used as a folk remedy for respiratory ailments. Another medical discovery was found when a tonic was prepared by boiling the cones of Picea abies in milk whey to help with scurvy.

Common Name: Norway Spruce

Scientific Name:  Picea abies

Family Name (Scientific and Common): Pinaceae (Pine)

Continent of Origin: Europe

Most Distinguishing Morphological Features of This Plant:

Pyramidal or cone-like shape, with drooping branches.

Plant Growth Habit: Large Tree

Height at Maturity: More than 10 Feet

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit: Evergreen Perennial 

Growth Habitat: Full Sun 

Manner of Culture: Landscape Tree 

Thorns on Younger Stem?  No

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: More Than The Diameter of a Coffee-Mug 

Produces Brownish Bark? Yes

Bark Peeling in Many Areas? Yes 

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark: Lines Go Up-Down 

Type of Leaf:   Needle-Like 

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet):   Less than Length of a Credit Card 

Leaf Complexity:    Simple 

Shape of Leaf:    Simple 

Edge of Leaf?    Smooth 

Leaf Arrangement:  Alternate 

Leaf has Petiole?  Yes 

Patterns of Main-Veins:  Parallel 

Leaf Hairiness:  No Hairs

Color of Foliage in Summer: Green 

Change in Color of Foliage in October:  No Change 

Flowering Season:  Spring

Flowers:    Tightly Clustered 

Type of Flower:   Like a Pine Cone 

Color of Flower:   Pink

Shape of Individual Flower: Bilaterally Symmetrical  

Size of Individual Flower: Larger than the Length of a Credit Card

Sexuality:  Male and Female on Same Plant

Size of Fruit:    Smaller than a Quarter 

Fruit Fleshiness at Maturity?    Dry

Shape of Fruit: Spherical 

Color of Fruit at Maturity:  Brown

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels?  No   

Unique Morphological Features of Plant:  Leaves are not flat or circular, rather quandrangular

Is the Plant Poisonous? None of Plant

Pesty Plant (weedy, hard to control)?  No

Common Name(s): Norway Spruce, Whitewood, White Deal

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One:

Eastern Hemlock, Blue Spruce, Bald Cypress, Cedar, Common Pine Tree

Page prepared by:

Brian Murphy

November 2005