Spruce

Spruce is a common name for trees in the genus Picea, a group of evergreen conifers in the family Pinaceae. The genus comprises about 35 species native to the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Spruce is often contrasted with true firs (Abies).

Spruce trees have needles that are four-sided, stiff, and attached singly to short peg-like bases on the twigs. The needles are typically blue-green to dark green and have a sharp point. Cones are pendulous and range from slender to cylindrical, with thin scales and seeds that have wings.

Spruce inhabits cool, moist environments and is common throughout boreal forests of North America, Europe, and Asia, sometimes at mountain elevations where conditions resemble northern latitudes. They prefer well-drained soils and tend to tolerate cold but not heat or drought.

Notable species include Norway spruce (Picea abies), white spruce (Picea glauca), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), and blue spruce (Picea pungens). Many species are cultivated as ornamental trees, and several are used as Christmas trees.

Wood from spruce is a lightweight, strong softwood widely used in construction, papermaking, and in the manufacture of musical instrument soundboards, where high stiffness and low density are valued. Economically important species have been introduced worldwide.

Spruce forests face threats from pests such as spruce bark beetle and spruce budworm, as well as climate change and habitat loss. Some species are subject to conservation concerns due to localized declines.