Picea glauca

Common Names

White Spruce, Alberta Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, Cat Spruce, Canada Spruce, Canadian Spruce, Skunk Spruce, Porsild Spruce, Western White Spruce, Épinette Blanche, Single Spruce

Summary

White Spruce is a native evergreen conifer of northern North America, ranging from Alaska to Newfoundland and into parts of the northern United States. It typically grows 40–60 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide with a narrow pyramidal to conical crown; foliage consists of blue-green, four-sided, aromatic needles about 12–25 mm long, and slender, pendulous cones about 3–7 cm long; bark is ash-gray and needles have a glaucous waxy coating.

Hardy in USDA zones 2–6, it prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soils from acidic to neutral. It benefits from deep, infrequent watering at establishment, and exhibits drought tolerance after roots are established; pruning is minimal. Common uses include windbreaks, screens, ornamentals, and Christmas trees, with additional value as wildlife habitat; cultivars such as Conica (Dwarf Alberta Spruce) and Black Hills Spruce (densata) are widely grown; pests and diseases include cankers, root rots, and needle cast, while bagworms and sawflies may occur; maintaining good air circulation helps prevent moisture-related issues.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

40-60 ft

Spread

10-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-6

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates some shade; ranges to partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, loamy soil, fertile and rich in organic matter, pH 5.0–7.0 (moderately acidic to neutral), avoid calcareous and compact soils and waterlogging

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

4.7-6.5, Acid to neutral, Adaptable

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Non-flowering

Foliage Color

Blue-green to glaucous blue-green foliage, with blue-white lower surface.

Fall Foliage Color

Evergreen; no fall color.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate growth, about 12–24 inches per year.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Birds: Yes — nesting and shelter; seeds eaten by crossbills, grosbeaks, nuthatches, chickadees, warblers, pine siskin, and great tits