Picea omorika
Picea omorikafam. Pinaceae
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Pl. 37AC — Picea omorika
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IOverview
Overview
Picea omorika, known as the Serbian spruce, is a coniferous tree native to Yugoslavia and found in moist, wet habitats with light to heavy soil types. This evergreen can grow up to 25 meters tall and thrives in full sun, making it adaptable to various conditions within its hardiness range of 4-7. The plant is notable for its edible parts, which include flowers, inner bark, seeds, and shoots. Its distinctive features set it apart as a versatile ornamental tree while also providing valuable food sources.
Quick answers
What is Picea omorika?
Picea omorika, known as the Serbian spruce, is a coniferous tree native to Yugoslavia and found in moist, wet habitats with light to heavy soil types. This evergreen can grow up to 25 meters tall and thrives in full sun, making it adaptable to various conditions within its hardiness range of 4-7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Picea omorika thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-7 and can grow up to 25 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-draining. Propagation can be done through seeds or inner bark. The flowers, inner bark, shoots, and seeds are edible parts of this tree.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Picea omorika for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Picea omorika in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Picea omorika sapling, well-draining soil, and a garden fork.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is moist, rich, and has good drainage. Amend heavy clay with sand if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings from a nursery pot to your garden bed, spacing them about 3-4 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the tree regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure, regular watering during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning young trees to shape them. Harvest inner bark and shoots for culinary use as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, neglecting winter protection, and not providing enough space between trees.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersInner barkSeedShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Wind breakerLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 4 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native· 4 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)BelgiumDenmarkSwedenUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Pinaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Pinaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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