Picea mariana (Black Spruce)

Picea mariana (Black Spruce) is a small, narrow evergreen conifer of narrowly conical habit adorned with a spire-like crown. Descending to sweep the ground, its branches are covered with short, stiff, 4-sided, dark blue-green needles that are attached individually to the branches, rather than presented in clusters. Thin and scaly, the dark gray bark breaks into scales, revealing the inner green bark. Produced in dense clusters in the upper crown of the tree, the cones are the smallest of all the spruces. They are egg-shaped to rounded, dark purple ripening red-brown. They persist for several years. Slow-growing, Black Spruce has a shallow root system which makes the tree susceptible to wind throw. It is an excellent choice for cold northern climates and is tolerant of wet sites.

• Grows up to 30-50 ft. tall (9-15 m) and 20-30 ft. wide (6-9 m).
• Performs best in full sun in moist soils. Prefers cool climates and will struggle in hot and humid climate areas.
• No serious pest and disease issues. Keep an eye out for needle rusts and cankers.
• No pruning is required.
• Propagate by grafting or semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Native to North America.