Smrek

Smrek is a common name used in several Slavic languages for spruce, a group of evergreen conifers in the genus Picea. The most widely referenced species is Picea abies, known in English as the Norway spruce. It is a large tree that can reach 30–55 meters in height, with a straight trunk and a conical crown when young that often becomes broader with age.

Description: Spruce needles are four‑sided, stiff, and typically 1.5–2.5 cm long. They are dark green on the upper side and have two pale stomatal lines on the underside. The tree bears cylindrical cones about 9–18 cm long that hang from the branches and mature to brown in autumn. The bark is orange‑brown and becomes fissured with age.

Distribution and habitat: Picea abies is native to Europe, from southern Scandinavia to the Caucasus, and from lowlands to montane zones. It favors moist, well‑drained soils and cool, temperate climates. It is a dominant or co‑dominant species in many European forests and is widely cultivated beyond its native range.

Uses: Norway spruce is important in forestry for timber and pulpwood and is widely used in landscaping. It is commonly employed as a Christmas tree in many regions. Growth is relatively fast and it adapts to a range of site conditions, though it can be vulnerable to environmental stress and pests.

Ecology and pests: Like other spruces, smrek can be affected by bark beetles and certain fungal diseases, particularly under drought or poor site conditions. Management practices such as proper spacing, thinning, and pest monitoring help maintain healthy stands.