Because of its potential size, Norway spruce is often used as a windbreak, screen or large hedge in large-scale landscapes. Its strong branches are able to hold up the thousands of lights and ornaments, and being outside the needles stay on the tree for a long time. The number of the tree’s synonym crosses 150. 4. Over the course of several years, the disease progresses upward, affecting more limbs. The Wright brothers constructed the first aircraft, called Wright Flyer, using spruce wood. Your email address will not be published. It was brought into the United States for use as an ornamental landscape tree. Together with storm events, bark beetle outbreaks are thought by some to be one of the most important natural disturbances in this region. Infected branches cannot be saved. Characteristics. Norway Spruce Care . I'm sure you saw the recent negative media coverage of the Norwegian tree gifted to London. Infected branches cannot be saved. It has been widely planted in cool and temperate regions of North American where it typically … There is even a documented case of a Norway Spruce that is thought to be 9,950 years … A Norway spruce named Old Tjikko is the oldest clonal tree, having an age of 9,550 years. Spruce firewood burns hot and fast, popping and throwing lots of embers as it burns. Although the disease rarely kills the tree, it does weaken it, which results in a shorter lifespan. It can be used as a screen or specimen plant. Spruce trees can be distinguished from fir trees because they have downwards-hanging cones; and they differ from pine trees by having shorter needles. In the wild, the Colorado blue spruce can live 200 years or more. Norway spruce belongs to the scientific genus Picea and is a member of the pine family (Pinaceae). (Low needle retention) 5. Cytospora canker, a disease caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei, afflicts Norway spruce trees that are older then 15 or 20 years. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Dec 18, 2019 - The Norway spruce is a large, fast-growing evergreen coniferous tree found throughout the forests of southern and eastern Norway. The wood of the Norway spruce is highly significant in its homeland. It does require abundant water and prefers moist soil for adequate growth. Cytospora canker, needle cast, and rust diseases, mites, eastern Spruce gall adelgid, Cooley’s Spruce gall adelgid, bagworms, spruce budworm larvae, sawfly larvae, Cone scales are consumed by caterpillars, and barks are fed by moths, Used for paper and timber production, making the vitamin C enriched spruce beer, constructing musical instruments. In the traditional Austrian medical science, the shoot tip of the tree could be either consumed as a healing beverage or used as an ointment, inhaler, bathing lotion for treating gastrointestinal tracts, infections, respiratory and skin problems. Thin, spiky needles. A splendiferous, flowing, and non-flowering conifer, which if trained in the early years, can be left alone for the rest of its life; we are referring to the ever famous and striking Norway spruce. Published on July 26th 2019 by Sahana Kanjilal under Spruce. RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : Phanerophyte REGENERATION PROCESSES : Sexual reproduction: Norway spruce usually first reproduces at 30 to 40 years of age. The pliable roots of white spruce were used to lace the joints of birch bark canoes. Lifespan: 200 years; Height: A conically shaped tree that grows up to 40 metres in height. It is sometimes used as a Christmas tree. Trees that are between 10 to 20 years old are more likely to be affected. Norway Spruce has the largest cones of all Spruce trees and is a key identifier for the species. Bushy and full shape from top to bottom. Old Tjikko, a clone of Norway spruce is believed to be 9, 550 years old, being the oldest living tree in the world. Cut or damaged trees do not resprout from stumps or roots. The Norway spruce tree is one of the fastest growing varieties of evergreens, and only takes about … Over the course of several years, the disease progresses upward, affecting more limbs. Old trees are very recognizable by the long, weeping branches hanging from the main horizontal limbs. Ecological. Widely planted as a specimen tree, the Norway spruce grows well in a variety of conditions and enjoys a long lifespan in numerous types of landscape. It looks sweet as a seedling, and is often placed too close to a house by those who don't know that it can reach a height of 60 feet or more in its long life span. They are typically 10-15cm in length and are light brown in colour. Its scientific name ‘abies’ means ‘fir-like’ in Latin. The European spruce bark beetle has a significant impact on both the ecological and economic environment of Norway spruce forests. Normal life span of the White spruce is 200 years. It also has a tendency to cause creosote buildup in chimneys and stoves, so make sure you only burn seasoned wood to lower your risk of an accidental fire. Copper-based fungicides help prevent the infection but do not cure it. Norway spruce cones are one the longest cones of any conifer tree. Most suited to outdoor environments. Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a tough conifer that makes for an easy-care landscape tree in US Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7.It is also planted extensively for forest restoration and windbreaks. The branchlets droop and its cones are large, approximately 130mm (5 inch) long. Never "top" a Norway spruce. Within the Bavarian forest of Germany, the oldest living Norway spruce tree is believed to have grown. see more; Family Pinaceae . Widely planted as a specimen tree, the Norway spruce grows well in a variety of conditions and enjoys a long lifespan in numerous types of landscape. Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. The cycles of climatic changes have spurred the tree to adapt over the centuries to endure and survive in extremely harsh climates. It is a classic evergreen tree for large spaces. She writes for numerous online publications. Article was last reviewed on 26th December 2019. The Norway spruce is native to northern and central Europe. A monoecious tree, the Norway spruce has the capability of self-pollination by producing both male and female flowers, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. She has traveled extensively to such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing and knowledge base. You’ll want to be careful if you decide to use spruce firewood indoors in a fireplace. Your email address will not be published. As the tree ages, the upper canopy becomes flat and slightly irregular. In a few areas it has escaped cultivation and grows on adjacent lots, but it is not considered to be invasive. Within the Bavarian forest of Germany, the oldest living Norway spruce tree is believed to have grown. Cytospora canker, a disease caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei, afflicts Norway spruce trees that are older then 15 or 20 years. Bark: The Norway spruce has … The tree's lower limbs show the first signs of disease: needles turn brown and fall from the tree. In its northeastern range in Europe, the tree has undergone hybridisation with several other species. Whether growing in its native habitat or as an ornamental tree elsewhere, the Norway spruce rarely exceeds a lifespan of 220 years, according to the Muhlenberg College. Norway Spruce. If the tree is infected, cankers can cause branch death usually first at the bottom of the tree and continue upward; however branch death Norway spruce trees are a common form of evergreen tree that can grow in many different regions. A monoecious tree, the Norway spruce has the capability of self-pollination by producing both male and female flowers, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The needles are softer than in most other spruce trees. Norway Spruce is a large, openly branched evergreen recognized by its drooping branchlets and large cones. In its native range, trees typically remain vigorous for about 200 years, and can live 300-400 years in the far north. They look for the largest, most beautiful tree they can find. This hardy, adaptable tree thrives in moist conditions, but will grow in clay or sandy soils. History/Lore The Norway spruce hails from Europe. Picea abies, commonly called Norway spruce, is a large pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountains of northern and central Europe east to the Urals.In its native European habitat, it typically matures to 100-150' (occasionally to 200') tall. In Great Britain and North America, the Norway Spruce is a favorite cut Christmas tree each year. Seeds: It has long cylindrical brown cones which hang down. Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a conifer species growing to over 45m and flowering in May. All rights reserved. The tree is grown and used for the production of both pulp and lumber. After they become fertilized the cones point downward and eventually fall to the ground. Planting a Norway spruce is easy because it competes well with grass and weeds and requires no site preparation. Norway Spruce is a large, openly branched evergreen recognized by its drooping branchlets and large cones. Normal life span of the White spruce is 200 years. The cones are symmetrical in appearance and measure approximately 7 inches in length Throughout the tree's life it develops scaly bark that becomes more speckled with resin that often drips down the trunk. Rich, deep scented branches. Look over the entire tree, focusing on any dead or damaged branches that need full removal. It's the most dominant tree in Norwegian forests, althou… Leaves: Its needles are pointed, mid-green, and stand on tiny pegs. Some scientists consider this beetle to be a keystone species, in part because it has an … The tree was reported to be 468 years old, according to Gymnosperm Database. Cytospora canker, a disease caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei, afflicts Norway spruce trees that are older then 15 or 20 years. Although the disease rarely kills the tree, it does weaken it, which results in a shorter lifespan. The very shallow, spreading root system benefits from a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture. Cut off dead or yellowing, diseased branches with a hand pruners, making a crisp one-motion cut 1/4-inch above a lower branch junction or in the middle of the stem among live … If you ever struggle to determine what kind of spruce you are looking at, check the cones! https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/nor_spruce.html, http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/picabia.pdf, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/spruce-tree-reproduction-seeds-44386.html, https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/norway-spruce. It is a classic evergreen tree for large spaces. This very large pyramidal tree with stiff, dark needles and graceful, pendulous branches is good for large yards. It is escaping throughout Michigan. Good seed crops are produced every 3 to 4 years in Britain, 8 to 10 years in Norway, and 12 to 13 years in Finland [ 42 , 87 ]. There are approximately 120 cultivars of the tree, according to Floridata. Genus Picea are evergreen trees with rigid, needle-like leaves arranged singly all round the shoots, and narrow, leathery-scaled cones borne near the ends of the shoots . The tree's lower limbs show the first signs of disease: needles turn brown and fall from the tree. White Spruce produces cones that are 1-2 inches, Colorado Blue Spruce produces cones that are 2-4 inches, and Norway Spruce cones are 4-7 inches. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Norway Spruce, Ohio State University: Cytospora Canker of Spruce. It tolerates a range of soil types but prefers that soild is well-draining, in a slightly acidic pH range. It is also a popular selection for bonsai. Its needles are stiff and have rows of minute openings properly called stomata. Dying Norway spruces may lose foliage and have yellow needles, but they can usually be saved. And while this species does grow in Norway, the name is a bit of a misnomer. One of the most widely used landscape ornamental trees in North America, the Norway spruce (Picea abies) grows to a height of 80 feet with a spread of up to 40 feet. It is not a tree for smaller yards. Required fields are marked *. This tree is often seen in Asian gardens or … Its scientific name ‘abies’ means ‘fir-like’ in Latin. However, if they're transplanted, planted in inadequate conditions or don't receive proper care, their health can become compromised. Copper-based fungicides help p… The Most Common Types of Spruce Trees Norway Spruce (Picea abies) This tree, as the name tells us, comes from northern Europe, and it is a fast-growing tree, with green needles. One of the most widely used landscape ornamental trees in North America, the Norway spruce (Picea abies) grows to a height of 80 feet with a spread of up to 40 feet. The Norway spruce is one of the most widely planted spruces, both in and outside of its native range, and one of the most economically important coniferous species in Europe. Characteristics of a Norway Spruce; 1. Each year the Rockefeller Center in New York City uses a large Norway spruce as its traditional Christmas tree. Some may need a wide open space, for others you could plant in wide open areas, as part of foundation planting, in a container, or even in a rock garden. This tree grew in Eurasia, the Black Forest and other parts of the continent long before making its way to Norway around 500 B.C. Norway spruce also makes a good roosting tree for hawks and owls. Noteworthy Characteristics. The Norway spruce is a beautiful ornamental tree species. Unfertilized Norway spruce cones point upward. Captain Cook prepared an alcoholic sugar-based beer from branches, needles, and buds of spruce trees during his voyages and gave it to his crew for preventing scurvy. Interesting Facts. Progressive shedding of needles once cut. Old Tjikko, a clone of Norway spruce is believed to be 9, 550 years old, being the oldest living tree in the world. Norway spruce is one of the toughest trees that ever lived. Stradivarius is reported to have recycled old ship oars for the Norway spruce wood that he used in the manufacture of his violins, according to the Nebraska Forest Service. For most of the common spruces (Blue spruce, Norway spruce, White spruce), you can expect 150 - 200 year lifespan on average - though some have lived far longer - 800 or 900 years is not unheard of. The tree grows best and enjoys the longest lifespan in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 to 7 and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. Every Christmas, the Norwegian capital city, Oslo, provides the cities of London (the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree), Edinburgh and Washington D.C. with a Norway spruce, which is placed at the m… The tree is grown and used for the production of both pulp and lumber. The number of the tree’s synonym crosses 150. The Sitka Spruce has pale brown, domed cones that are shorter (10cm long) than those of the Norway Spruce (15-20cm long). This stress-related fungal canker is found on spruce, notably Blue Colorado spruce and Norway spruce, grown outside of its native habitat. It is used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. All Rights Reserved. Over the tree's lifespan it grows into a large pyramidal shape. 2. A severe drought can easily shorten the lifespan or kill the Norway spruce. Siberian spruce is known to be its subspecies but scientists are researching about it as the two trees are extremely similar. 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