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