Picea glauca
Picea glauca
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Pl. 8BDE — Picea glauca
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IOverview
Overview
Picea glauca, commonly known as white spruce, is a coniferous tree native to the northern regions of North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, and other parts of Canada and the northern United States. This tree thrives in moist, wet environments with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types and is hardy to zones 2-6. White spruce can grow up to 15 meters tall and is known for its distinctive white to grayish-green needles and short, slender cones. The tree is both ornamental and edible; its flowers, inner bark, seeds, seedpods, and shoots are all parts that can be consumed.
Quick answers
What is Picea glauca?
Picea glauca, commonly known as white spruce, is a coniferous tree native to the northern regions of North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, and other parts of Canada and the northern United States.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Picea glauca thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 2-6 and can grow up to 15 meters tall. For propagation, the plant can be grown from seeds or inner bark. Edible parts include flowers, seedpods, shoots, and seeds, making it a versatile choice for those interested in edible landscaping.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-6
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Picea glauca for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Picea glauca tree to observe and care for in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Picea glauca sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or planting site.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Picea glauca in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is well-draining, with a pH between 5.0 and 7.5. For containers, use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to its permanent location or a large container if you're growing it indoors.
- 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 full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune branches as needed to keep the tree healthy and well-shaped. Avoid harvesting parts for consumption.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting winter protection are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersInner barkSeedSeedpodShoots
Edible uses: Condiment, Gum, Tea
Other uses:Baby careDyeGumCraftingPitchWind breakerWeaving materialTanninWaterproofingLumberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 27 native· 3 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)AustriaDenmarkFinland
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward I., Québec, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yukon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8bde203c-2101-4450-a366-bff473b6d09f
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