Picea abies
Picea abies
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Pl. 8B6D — Picea abies
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IOverview
Overview
Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce, is a tree native to central and northern Europe, including regions such as Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. This evergreen conifer is well-known for its edible parts, which include flowers, inner bark, seeds, and shoots. It thrives in moist to wet soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture, with a hardiness range from 2 to 7. Norway spruce can grow up to 30 meters tall and is often found in various habitats across its native range. Its distinctive features include a light energy requirement and a preference for soil pH between 5 and 7.
Quick answers
What is Picea abies?
Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce, is a tree native to central and northern Europe, including regions such as Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. This evergreen conifer is well-known for its edible parts, which include flowers, inner bark, seeds, and shoots.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Picea abies thrives in moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers a pH range of 5 to 7 and is hardy in temperate regions with zones 2-7. This tree requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly in the ground after collection. Edible parts include flowers, inner bark, seeds, and shoots, making this plant useful both as a food source and an ornamental tree.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Picea abies for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Picea abies tree to observe and care for in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Picea abies sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Picea abies in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil has a pH between 5 and 7, and is well-draining. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into their permanent spot if possible, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as in their container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Prune only if necessary to remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees in late winter to shape them. Mature trees can be pruned to maintain size and health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering during dry periods, and not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersInner barkSeedShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:AdhesiveEssential OilPitchWind breakerTanninVarnishLumberGround coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 6 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 24 native· 6 introduced
Europe19 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBulgariaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (2)IcelandIreland
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
introduced:Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8b6dbc31-d008-47a1-b0dd-9c493f50e5c3
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