Spruce Trees - Facts

Spruce trees are coniferous trees, of the Picea genus, found in the northern temperate and taiga regions of the planet. They are predominantly characterized by their whorled branches and conical shape. Spruce trees have several uses, ranging from use of its wood in several musical instruments, to the use of some species as a Christmas tree during the Yuletide season.

Spruce Trees - Facts

Although the first thing that comes to our mind when we hear the word 'spruce' is Christmas tree, not many people are aware of the various facts about spruce trees. These facts include their fast paced growth, different varieties, usage, etc. Let's take a look at some facts about these coniferous trees.

Spruce Trees Growth: One of the most fascinating spruce trees facts is their growth. The average growth rate of these conifers is 6 to 11 inches per year. However, Sitka spruce, Norway spruce, and Colorado blue spruce are known as the fast growing spruce species. The Sitka spruce can attain a growth rate of approximately 60 inches per year, and grow up to a height of 160 to 220 feet in its lifetime. Norway spruce has a growth rate of 30 inches per year, while Colorado blue spruce has a growth rate of 13 inches. Some species of spruce trees can even grow up to 20 feet in width. These trees are popular choices when it comes to tree houses for kids.

Spruce Trees Varieties: There are thirty-five varieties of spruce trees found all over the world. From this, seven varieties of the spruce family are found in North America. These are

• Black Spruce (Picea mariana)
• Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens)
• Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens var. glauca)
• Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
• Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika)
• Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)
• White Spruce (Picea glauca)

The entire lot of thirty-five varieties of spruce trees are categorized into 5 groups - Clade I, Clade II, Clade III, Clade IV and Clade V.

Spruce Trees Diseases and Insects: Spruce trees are vulnerable to a disease known as the Rhizosphaera needlecast, wherein the tree experiences premature needlecast i.e. fall of needle like leaves. These coniferous trees are also home to several insects, prominent ones being

• Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid
• Spruce Spider Mite
• Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid
• Douglas-fir Tussock Moth
• Cytospora Canker Spruce
• Needle Miner
• Spruce Budworm

Other than this, spruce trees also face problems such as salt injury, wherein the branches start getting damaged starting from below, and frost injury, wherein the late spring frost damages the tender new growth.

Mind-boggling Spruce Tree Facts

If these general facts about spruce trees weren't enough, here are some more spruce tree facts which are bound to leave you in awe.

• The word 'spruce' in English language is derived from the French word 'Pruce' meaning Prussia, from where spruce trees are believed to have originated.
• In order to quench their thirst, early American Indians used to chew the frankincense, a gum like resin, that formed on spruce tree bark when it was cut.
• A cluster of Norway spruce growing in the mountains of western Sweden are claimed to be the oldest known living trees with an age 9,550 years.
• The spruce trees are the loftiest among the European trees. They can reach heights of 125 to 150 feet, at times even 180 feet, and sport a tapering stem with an average diameter of around 6 feet.
• The Norwegian people gave the Norway spruce as a token of appreciation of British friendship during the World War II.

Spruce trees have been a subject of fascination for mankind since a long time. The above mentioned spruce tree facts would no doubt contribute to the popularity of these coniferous tree species.