Red Spruce (Picea rubens)

Description

Red Spruce (Picea rubens) is a great conifer tree to add to any landscape or yard. The wood of these trees are often used to make musical instruments such as guitars, organ pipes, piano sounding boards, and violins. Red Spruce produces a broader crown than other eastern spruces, still maintaining a narrowly conical form. It also has brighter yellow-green needles compared to other eastern spruces.

 

Light: Partial Sun, Full Sun, but can be Shade Tolerant

Moisture: Moist

Soil Type: Well-Drained, Loamy or Sandy Loam, Rich in Organic Matter

Soil pH: 4.5 – 6

Average Height: 60 – 90 Feet

Cones: Small (1-1.5 inches), reddish-brown, woody, and hang downwards

Needles: Short (1/2–5/8 inch), yellow-green to dark-green, four-sided (easily rolled), sharp-pointed

Native Region: Northeastern North America

Wildlife: Provides vital food, shelter, and nesting sites for diverse wildlife