Field Guide

The Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a tall, fast-growing evergreen tree native to Europe and widely cultivated across the world.

Size and Shape:

• Norway Spruces are large evergreen trees that can reach impressive heights of 100 to 150 feet when fully mature.

• They typically have a dense, conical shape with a straight trunk and branches that extend horizontally and slightly droop towards the ends.

Needles:

• The needles of Norway Spruce are dark green and glossy, measuring around 1 to 1.5 inches long.

• The needles are four-sided and can be slightly sharp to the touch.

Cones:

• They produce long, cylindrical cones that hang down from the branches.

• The cones are typically around 4 to 7 inches long.

• When mature, the cones are brown and papery, with flexible scales that are often curved inward.

Bark:

• The bark of Norway Spruces is initially thin, smooth, and grayish-brown in color.

• As the tree ages, the bark becomes rougher, developing scaly plates with a reddish-brown hue.

Origin:

• Norway Spruces are commonly planted as ornamental and timber trees in various regions around the world.

• They can be found in parks, landscapes, and forests, particularly in Europe, North America, and other temperate regions.