spruces

Spruces are evergreen coniferous trees of the genus Picea in the family Pinaceae. Native to cool temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, they occur across Europe, Asia, and North America. About 30–40 species are recognized, and spruces are widely planted for timber, pulp, and ornamental use; several species are used as Christmas trees.

Description: Spruces are typically tall trees with a single, straight trunk and a conical crown. They have needles that are four-sided, stiff, and roughly 6–25 mm long, attached singly to small peg-like bases on slender shoots. The needles can be rolled between the fingers, a characteristic that helps distinguish spruces from pines and firs. Cones are elongated and pendulous, maturing after one year. They release seeds through the scales, which fall from the cone while still attached to the tree.

Ecology: Spruces grow in cool, moist soils, from low elevations to montane regions. They form dense forests in boreal and mountainous zones and support various wildlife. They are susceptible to pests such as the spruce budworm and to diseases and rot, and are affected by climate change and pests.

Uses: Timber from spruce wood is light and strong for a softwood, used in framing, plywood, and paper pulp; it is highly valued for soundboards in musical instruments such as pianos and guitars. Ornamentally, spruces are widely used as windbreaks and landscape trees.

Taxonomy and identification: The genus Picea contains about 30–40 species, including Norway spruce (Picea abies), White spruce (Picea glauca), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), and Colorado spruce (Picea pungens). Distinguishing features from true firs (Abies) include needles that are attached singly with a woody peg and a four-sided, sharp-tipped leaf, and hanging cone-shaped structures.