Field Guide

The Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika) is a beautiful evergreen tree native to the Balkan Peninsula. It is known for its slender form and striking blue-green needles.

Size and Shape:

• Serbian Spruces are medium-sized evergreen trees, typically reaching heights of 50 to 90 feet when fully mature.

• They have a narrow, columnar shape with a straight trunk and branches that are slightly pendulous, especially towards the ends.

• The overall form of the tree is elegant and slender.

Needles:

• The needles of Serbian Spruce are unique and visually striking. They are arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches.

• The needles have a flattened appearance, measuring around 0.5 to 1 inch in length.

• They are dark green on the upper side and have two white stomatal bands on the underside, creating a beautiful contrast.

Cones:

• They produce small, cylindrical cones that are around 1.5 to 3 inches long.

• The cones are initially green and eventually mature to a reddish-brown or dark brown color.

• They hang down from the branches and persist on the tree for several years.

Bark:

• The bark of Serbian Spruce is typically smooth and grayish-brown, with small resin blisters present on younger trees.

• As the tree ages, the bark becomes rougher and develops shallow furrows.

Origin:

• Serbian Spruces are native to the Balkan Peninsula, particularly Serbia and Bosnia.

• They are also cultivated and can be found in gardens, parks, and arboretums in various parts of the world.